Lhermitte sign

[shanyeeka]

Hi all!

Is symptom of the ALS the Lhermitte sign? (Electric feeling along the backbone and trunk when you move your head forward.)

 

[ptich]

I think it is actually pointing away from ALS, towards cervical spondylosis or MS.

 

[shanyeeka]

I read it somewhere that is in B12 deficiency.

 

[planningguy]

Far from an expert, but know a little about B-12 deficiency. Chronic B-12 deficiency can cause a lot of neuropathic issues including numbness and "pins and needles" sensations. This is a more general neuropathy, and is not restricted to any one part of the body (usually most common in the limbs and extremities from what I understand). Apparently it can cause Lhermitte's sign as well, but I imagine (again no expert) that the it would have to be a pretty significant deficiency for an extended period of time before that happened.

For me B-12 deficiency manifested as butt kicking fatigue and paresthesia. I understand this is a pretty common scenario. A lot, though not all, of the paresthesia has been relieved by monthly B-12 shots.

Based on my limited reading Lhermitte's sign can crop up in a lot of different situations. If you are experiencing it, best for a neuro to sort out why.

Take care,

Robert