First L’Hermittes; L’Hermitte’s sign describes electrical buzzing sensations in the limbs and body brought on by movement of the neck. These sensations are known as paraesthesia and include tingling, buzzing, electrical shocks, partial numbness and sharp pains. L’Hermitte’s is most often triggered by lowering the head so that the chin touches the chest. The sensations usually only last for a second or two. It has been called the “barber shop” symptom because it is often evoked when the hairdresser asks you to lower your head when he or she shaves the back of your neck.
L’Hermitte’s is associated with a number of conditions including arthritis, cervical spondylosis, disc compression, pernicious anaemia, tumours and multiple sclerosis. In many cases, the cause cannot be found.
Because the cervical spinal cord is a frequent target for multiple sclerosis it is a very common symptom of MS. Aproximately two thirds of people with multiple sclerosis experience L’Hermitte’s symptom at some point during the course of their disease.
In MS, L’Hermitte’s is an indicator of lesions in the cervical spine (the part of spine in the neck). Movement of the neck causes the damaged nerves (the demyelinated neurons) to be stretched and send erroneous signals. The symptoms can occur anywhere below the neck and many people with MS find that it moves around their body from one day to the next.
I’m amazed that as with the MS Hug the MSS has no or very little info for members for quite common symptoms.
Your ‘niggles’ your Neuro is concerned over can really only be lesions he has seen on the MRI. To explain every instruction to the body comes from the brain. These instructions travel along pathways, nerves until they reach the desired location.
There are two distinct nervous systems; the Central Nervous System (CNS); Brain and Spinal Cord and the Peripheral Nervous System all nerves leading to almost every part of the body.
The Spinal Cord is more or less a thin; bony; flexible tube that carries millions of nerves; very easy for a lesion to hide. The Brain (especially mine) in comparison is a wide open space. This is a map of the Spine Map of Spinal Column if a lesion is in a part shown it may cause problems as shown.
If you need help at work; taxis to and from; furniture; infastructure don’t forget ‘Access to Work.’ http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347
Your Neuro sounds very good; unfortunately it’s a case of trial and error until they find something to settle your MS attacks down.
Good luck; I know it’s difficult but try not to worry.
George
but now also fizzing left arm. I’m not yet diagnosed, my last scan showed lesions and a cyst, I’ve got a scan with contrast end of June, a load of blood tests later this week. My GP’s on holiday. Should I inform my neurologist, or just wait and see? Any advice greatly appreciated!