Lhermitte's Sign
More than two thirds of those with Multiple Sclerosis experience what is known as “Lhermitte's Sign” or “The Barber's Chair Symptom”. It is a sensation of buzzing, tingling and electric shocks brought about by lowering the head as to bring the chin closer to the chest. These sensations are usually felt in the spine, arms, and legs.
What Causes
Lhermitte's Sign?
Lhermitte's Sign?
There are many things that can lead to Lhermitte's Sign such as injury or side effects of medications but in Multiple Sclerosis it is typically the result of a lesion in the cervical spine (or neck). When the head is tilted downwards, the demyelinated nerves in the neck stretch causing erroneous electrical signals to be triggered which then causes parasthesia (the sensation of buzzing, tingling and electric shocks).
Symptoms (Parasthesia)
Lhermitte's Sign causes parasthesia which symptoms include but are not limited to:
Buzzing
Tingling
Pins & Needles
Prickling
Itching
Crawling Skin
Sensations of electric shock
Sharp Pains
Burning
Partial Numbness
The Barber's Chair Symptom
Ever wonder why it's sometimes called “The Barber's Chair Symptom”? What does a barber typically ask you to do when they need to trim your neck line? They ask you to tilt your head down, chin to chest!
Treatment
In some cases, Lhermitte's Sign can be treated with medications such as Anticonvulsants (Anticonvulsants are used to treat epileptic seizures) like Neurontin (Gabapentin) or Lyrica to block abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Others choose to wear a restrictive collar/brace that helps limit the range of movement that can be achieved with the neck in order to prevent positioning the spine in such a way that would trigger the sensations of paraesthesia. When this option is chosen it is important to make sure with your therapist that your neck does not grow weak or loose range of motion over time. In some cases, a physical therapist may also set you up with a tens machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) which uses small electrodes that stick to your skin, attach to a small battery pack, and delivers a small pulsing electrical signal which can block pain receptors
I am sorry to repost, but the link to my story did not show up.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.MercuryPoisoned.com/marie.html
Wow! I was diagnosed with MS 6 months ago and have been experiencing 'Lhermitte's Sign' without realising what it was. Cheers for the info !
ReplyDeletehaha that's basically what was going on with me till I researched it and figured it out haha so glad it helped! Everything is easier to deal with when it has a name.
ReplyDeleteMy electrical shocks have gotten so severe that while lying on bed with my dog he can feel them before I get the full impact...he will yelp, jump down and by then it has gone down back of right shoulder into right arm and fingers....mine occur mostly when lying in bed but also have them whenever I bed over and I can hear vertebrae grinding..I have congential birth defect of three vertebrae fused together with arthritic spurs on both sides of each.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is seriously one of the most bizarre things I have ever heard. You need a multimeter (for electricity) and should test yourself. If you are actually putting something off that would be amazing! I kind of wish mine would come back so I could test myself!
ReplyDeleteI find this symptom the most fun of all the rest of my symptoms. I know it's stupid and possibly counter productive, but I love the charge. It happens after I've worked out so three times a week I have fun with my MS!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is a symptom or not - at one time had neck pain 24/7 and heard a soft maracas type shaking sound seemingly coming from the back of my head when I was walking. Thankfully more infrequent now however I started hearing (?) same sound starting a few days before this last bout ...which once again has me wondering what's going on.
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ReplyDeleteHi Matt, I'm new to your blog and just recently diagnosed with MS myself. Suspected it December 2011, official confirmation the beginning of this month. Lhermittes was one of my very first symptoms that led to my initial doctors visit a few months ago, and to this date one of my most annoying problems with my MS.... It makes me feel like im the guy from the game operation I used to play as a kid! Anywho, enjoy your blog.... I started one the other day just as a journal/ venting system for me, figured if I didn't have anyone else to take it out on, the Internet was always good ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah this symptom is ANNOYING!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBUT YEAH WRITING IS GOOD!!!!!! IT'S A GREAT THERAPY IF U ASK ME!
Hey this is awsome information ive been having this for a couple of weeks now and i couldn´t explane it wy i am having this buzzing feeling in the top part of my belly wenn i pull my head down.
ReplyDeleteCheers m8
Yeah I was getting it around my ribs for a while but mostly my arms
ReplyDeleteYes it sucks mate !
ReplyDeletei also musician and lost the ability to play.
how you deal with it mate ???
Hope you feel better !
I have not figured that out yet, have lost a lot this year so one thing at a time for me haha,,,,
ReplyDeleteI have had this for years but i thought it was normal. Lol. I am Recently diagnosed with ms but haven't met anyone with ms with lhermittes sign. How many of us are out there? I would love to chat with some of you guys. :)
ReplyDeleteIts so common I don't know haha, comes and goes for me, I would ask around on this post for starters!
ReplyDeleteThanx Matt! How are u going with your ms? It's great what u are doing with the online stuff. I'm sure it will help a lot of other people living with ms. :) Kristy!
ReplyDeleteI amalive haha, doing well i suppose but i feel like crap but can't complain! How are you??
ReplyDeleteHey! Yeah not bad. It's all new to me but I'm doing ok. I see my neuro tomorrow to get the results from my last MRI. It's only been 6 months for me. It sux u feel like crap. I have days like that. Chin up!!! Kristy :)
ReplyDeleteGood! Hope that goes well and yeah, I am fine haha, can't complain but sometimes I do... Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe all need to complain sometimes. We deserve to. You deserve to!! Thanx! :). Kristy!
ReplyDeleteOf course lol!
ReplyDeleteSo, I don't know if this is L'hermitte's Sign, but these are the feelings I've had deal with for the last few years: It feels like there are an infinite number of tiny henchmen stabbing my arms/hands subdermally for about 30 minutes. When this happens I need to immediately either sit on my hands or if at home, lay down; doing either puts the sensation 'to sleep' so that I can go on with my day. Do you think this might be L'hermitte's Sign? Many symptoms but this one drives me crazy!! Thanks Matt for creating this post!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, does it only happen when you tilt you head down? And then it goes away as soon s you tilt it back up? If not then it is just pins and needles... :(
ReplyDeleteJust Dx 7/20/12. Went num on right side. Hospitalized 3 weeks. I have regain walking and partial on right arm. I am in physical therpy 3 x wkly. As I have been explained keepi moving and extercising muscles. I do extercises 3 x daily your body will let u know when to rest. I have lyermittes sytoms but it has decreased with changes on extercises. I FEEL GREAT, I have great physicians who diagonosed me in 3 days.
ReplyDeleteHow long is each of your sessions?v
ReplyDeleteI had to call an ambulance today. I got up rather quickly and I was overwhelmed with a scary sensation all over my body. I felt as if I stepped in a puddle with a live wire and I was being electricuted. I thought I was having a stroke. I couldn't move at all...numb from my neck down. The doctor's did the necessary tests and said it was Lhermitte's syndrome. I DO have MS as well, diagnosed in 2006. I vertually had no symptoms at all until about January of this year. My legs are numb most of the time and it is hard to go up/down stairs. I am so frustrated with doctors that can't do anything about it or help me. Steroids don't work and neither does any of the new drugs out there. I guess I just have to live with feeling like crap everyday. It is hard to be positive sometimes.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard as heck to stay positive when doctors do not want to do anything but textbook solutions. I think it is clear that I need more than that and I think a lot of us feel the same... Wish I had advice.....
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm new to this site bit glad i found it!
ReplyDeleteIm currently in "limbo land" with a diagnosis of possible MS. I have lesions on my brain, a positive lumbar puncture, all the symptoms oh and my mum has Primary Progressive MS but still not enough evidence to diagnose me?!?!
For the past 2 weeks I've been at work and whenever i bent my neck down i felt like i was vibrating!! For me it I'n the top part of my thighs - really weird but def one of the better symptoms of MS!
Weird symptom but def not bad! Man! I don't know what else they could want! Sounds to me like you probably have MS but... I am no doctor,,,
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with MS in 2005. Didn't know what was going on - it was sudden onset (headache, weakness on right side, dizziness, blurred vision, etc.) I am a nurse and I thought I was having a stroke. I definitely knew it was something neurological. I do remember working and having the Lhermittes symptom present first. It comes and goes and stays away for months at a time. Is yours a daily symptom? I find the longer you bend your neck the worse the "shock" and numbness is.
ReplyDelete" It comes and goes and stays away for months at a time." That is how it is with me..
ReplyDeleteTHIS! I have this & I vibrate/buzz all day, everyday. If someone taps me, if I walk, if I stomp, if I bend, just sitting...uggghghh. This has been my daily symptom since being diagnosed Aug 2011.
ReplyDeleteI'm referring everyone I know to this link so they know what the hell I'm talking about! :)
What link is it that you are referring everyone too?
Deletelol sorry it sucks that much, mine went away mostly, but it comes and goes like anything else. But hey, I like referrals haha, best of luck!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been doing some research and diet can be a big factor to help. Look up Swank for diet. I also heard the Liver Cleanse Diet, by Dr. Sandra Cabot is very similar. It's one that I have tried in the past and it is quite enjoyable. Lots of great choices that don't feel like depriving of food enjoyment!
ReplyDeleteI have tried many diets including Swank, does not seem to make me feel any different. Now I just try to eat as health as possible, no soda, sugary stuff, legumes, dairy, the main stuff you know?
ReplyDeleteWell at least you have tried that. I don't know how long it takes being on that diet to see a benefit. Just from the research it seemed very promising. The best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteJust know everyone is different, what works for one will do nothing for another, good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Matt I have Ms and got diagnosed in 2007 and I just now got this symptom of vibrations when I bend my head to my chin...its been driving me crazy I couldn't figure out what was going on with me and I found this on Google! Thank you Matt now I know I'm not crazy! Does anything help this symptom go away?...besides not bending your neck? Lol
ReplyDeleteNot bending your neck and time lol! It either goes away or you get used to it. Oh, no heat! Like hot shower water on your neck? NO NO! Haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Matt:) I'm so glad that I found you on here I now know that I'm not going crazy! LOL so what type of MS do you have if you don't mind me asking? I have RRMS
ReplyDelete( Relapsing remitting). At 1st when I got diagnosed I thought they were wrong and was in denial at first! To me I thought it was a death sentence. And I didn't really have any symptoms.... Until lately, well I wish you well and good luck with everything:)
Hi! im new to this blog. just researching ms stuff as usual. i was daignosed in 2005. had pretty good luck until this last year. last week i started getting warped vision, feeling like there is an earthquake beneath me, short lasting and speratic. face feels numb, lips, ears, mouth. very dizzy with out much relief. my head feels "STONED" with out due cause.haha. its scary to me, not sure if this is ms but if these symptoms dont go away it will be life changing for me. i started predinose 60ms for 3 days and then taper down. i had to beg my neuro doc to start steroids. i wanted the iv but she wouldnt do it. im venting/looking for any opinion.... thanks:) kelly
ReplyDeleteWell, if you are diagnosed with MS, those are very common symptoms. I have been spinning for a few days now. SHOULD go away FOR me within the week. Part of my face goes numb every once in a while but never for long. It's scarey ate first but now it is just an inconvenience, I had so much I wanted to get done, but it is hard when you can't see and are dizzy!
ReplyDeleteKatrina: Yes I have RRMS as well. I never thought it was the end of the world because my doctor didn't even explain it to me and i do not know why i didnt ask lol.....
ReplyDeleteIt should read, "More THAN two thirds of MS patients..... "
ReplyDeleteJust saying.
Oops, typos! Yes, then = times and than = amount haha
ReplyDeleteI've had tingling / pins and needles on bending my neck forward for over 10 years initially it was infrequent. It got worse 3 years ago when I had sciatica. The sensations were around my sacrum and a little down my legs. I was sent for an MRI. Just before the MRI I started getting some tingling in my little fingers / the arms and hands just on the little finger side. The MRI was just of my lower spine and it was ok. My symptoms have recently escalated again, now worse on the right side, and the tingling sensations can be present without any movement albeit very mildly. I've never had any muscle weakness or any other symptoms. My Doctor thinks it isn't lermittes as it is not painful or an electric shock sensation. It's been really helpful reading others symptoms as I now realise that milder / more subtle symptoms could still be lhermittes? I don't think I have ms? I had my B12 rechecked today and am plucking up the courage to request MRI of my brain / upper spine. I am hypermobile and I've always thought the symptoms may be related to some extra movement in my neck. Sorry for the long post I'm finding it useful to offload.
ReplyDeleteHaha hey, unloading is good, I just can't always reply as long back hahaha! Just get the MRI's, at least you can cross some stuff off the list you know?
ReplyDeletejust now discovered your page. was diagnosed in 2007, but after reviewing my med history the Dr. suspects that it has been active since i was a young child possibly triggered by a major surgery when i was young. I am glad to see that you are using your experience to help others understand.
ReplyDeleteYes my latest neuro said I had to have had it year and years before I was diagnosed due to all he black hole I have. If I dont use my experience to benefit others then all my suffering was/is for nothing :p
ReplyDeleteHi Matt, just got diagnosed with RRMS on August 6th 2012, when I woke up blind in my left eye. Since then, I have had 2 hospital stays, many ER visits. I am 39.
ReplyDeleteI have tried Copaxone, but after a month, I experienced the rare reaction. I got scared, and I have been off since Jan 10th. My Nerologist, wants me to have a 3 day infusion of steriods, but I have started Accupucture and Herbal medicine. I still take 60mg of Baclofen daily. I am thinking of trying another DM drug, but I am worried about the side effects. Any suggestions?
Well, you just have to test things and keep an eye on the effects honestly. I would stay away from the pills, they sound nice but are too new... The steroids will really help you recover so try them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Info, one and all. I do not have MS but a rare Brain aliment. I have been getting Botox injections for the past 7yrs every three months. This friday is my big day can not wait. It helps temporary with the Lhermittes sign. But I am learning how to cope with these daily. I hope every one Love, hope and Happiness.
ReplyDeleteMan, that is crazy... If I still have this I no longer feel it, just like the pins and needles in my left hand, if I clench it I know it is there, but otherwise? Dont feel it...
ReplyDeleteHey guys, I was diagnosed 1.5 years ago, I'm 29yrs old.. Someone asked what other DM drug, I'm on betaseron and doing quite well on it, no major side effects. Happy to say I haven't had another major episode since diagnosed :-) I love your blog by the way' wish I knew of this site back when I was diagnosed, good on ya! Did you ever get your tattoo?
ReplyDeleteMachere
Nope haha, saved the money, but thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, im so happy to have come across this site quite by accident! I was diagnosed last November but am currently symptom free except for this strange symptom that i never knew what it was and now i do thanks to this page! Thanks so much, now i know longer feel like a crazy woman when i describe a feeling of vibrating in my legs and feet when i bend my neck. Its the only symptom that ive had constantly for many months now, doesnt bother me one bit tho, its kinda nice like a massage the way it makes me feel like im vibrating (now tbat mite make me sound like a crazy woman!! Lol!!) Anyways im so happy i found this page!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Hey, take what you can! If it feels nice take it because it COULD feel horrible haha. Glad this page helped though!
ReplyDeleteHey buddy, I would recommend everyone here to research the herb/spice Turmeric. It has been shown to stop the progression of MS in mice. I have been taking it for about 6 months now and after my last MRI a month ago there was no progression. It has not relieved all symptoms as I believe I have this L'Hermittes. It is very promising considering my previous MRI showed 10 new lesions.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, I will look into it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Matt
ReplyDeleteI come across your blog by searching for Photographers with MS
recently diagnosed with MS "only a few days ago" and searching to see how it will effect my photography , been having days with double vision but even on these days , i can take a decent photo .
Ive been having what i call my strange spells for a few years now , its will be a great help to me that i now have a name for it "Lhermitte's "so i can do a little research
All the best
Mal
Mai,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, photography and MS, hard to give advice because your MS and my MS are probably way different. Vision: Not bad, you can adjust your viewfinder to your glasses or to your vision without them as I did since I dont like shooting with glasses on. Double vision just makes getting around hard but when one eye is closed looking through a viewfinder, it's gone.
For me the biggest issue was my energy and mobility, makes it hard to really try to get that great shot or to hike somewhere that i know would produce a good image you know? But I have an aggressive case of MS, so more than likely you wont have to worry about that, hopefully!
Thanks for the quick response Matt , I'm nor even sure what grade of MS , i have yet , my Neuro has referred me to a specialist ,
ReplyDeleteI have had problems with having blurred vision , and have never noticed any difference in the quality of the images taking from the shoots when blurred .
Actually over the last year , i have been doing more studio shoots because I have found it hard in getting around , long days just leave me shattered , so not knowing I had MS i had already started to change my photography style ,though a full days slog in the studio leaves feeling just the same , but its not often that i do more the a few hrs at a time , though i have full day in the studio on Saturday :-/
Hopefully I will know more about my MS soon , its only been a week since I was diagnosed , but it feels a hole lot longer !
Thanks for your time Matt
Regards
Mal
It takes time to learn, if your on Facebook I can add you to my private MS group, lots of people from all over the world, guy and gals, all ages. Also, do you have a website? I would definitely like to see som of your work!
ReplyDeleteYes I'm finding this out Matt ,I'm still waiting for an appointment to see a specialist and I have been allocated a MS Nurse , that I'm yet to see, so pretty much still in the dark about it all .
ReplyDeleteI'm busy trying to put together a portfolio at the moment , there is bits and bobs on my FB page .....Ive left a comment on your page so you can see find me !
Regards
Mal
Unfortunately, that's how it goes at first, guess it's easier to get you to blindly do what they say if you dont know much haha?
ReplyDeleteHello.I found you through the ''Lehrmitt's topic''.I experience Lehrmitte since August when i had my brain and spine Mri.Spine Mri showed a lesion (causing the symptom) and the brain ''nearly seen two small lesions'' and according to my doctor, not demyelinated ones, but rather of vascular type.Lehrmitt's sign has gone since Christmas...What is going on with my case? Is it ms? And what type it might be?Or is it sth else? Waiting is really annoying...Thank you in advance. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha there is no way for me to say? Only the MRI and spinal tap can say! Could be ANYTHING! Good luck, just be patient!
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ReplyDeleteHi, I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago and at the time had Lhermittes sign. It went away after about one month, but has returned again. Do you think that having it again means that I am about to relapse?
ReplyDeleteThere is no way to say. Some people notice THEIR pattern in symptoms before a flare and other people can have the same symptom come and go and it means nothing... I would doubt it but everyone is different...
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your blog - this s a good post about something that isn't talked about much. Would you consider writing a post about Uthoff's?
ReplyDeleteIts on the list I just have to decide how to write it and get to it haha but thanks!
ReplyDelete