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What Causes Radiating Electrical Sensations From The Spine Towards The Limbs?
Question: My brother-in-law has had two episodes where he feels like an electric shock going through has body followed by both arms becoming useless, not having any control over them for about 30 minutes. He's an iron worker and he doesn't have a family Dr. What course of action does he need to take?
Brief Answer:
Possible Lhermitte's sign
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That description of an electrical current running down the spine and spreading to the limbs corresponds to a sign called in neurology the Lhermitte's sign. If the episodes happen when there is bending of the neck forward it would be really typical Lhermitte.
It is a signs which may manifest when there is involvement of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, involvement which most commonly happens in the setting of multiple sclerosis, but more rarely may happen due to other neurological causes such as compression of the spinal cord by cervical spondylosis, vitamin B12 deficiency etc.
None of those conditions represents a medical emergency but sooner or later an evaluation will be needed to check for other neurological signs which might be present in MS, reproduction of the symptoms by bending the neck and if the suspicion is confirmed a MRI should be scheduled.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Possible Lhermitte's sign
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
That description of an electrical current running down the spine and spreading to the limbs corresponds to a sign called in neurology the Lhermitte's sign. If the episodes happen when there is bending of the neck forward it would be really typical Lhermitte.
It is a signs which may manifest when there is involvement of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, involvement which most commonly happens in the setting of multiple sclerosis, but more rarely may happen due to other neurological causes such as compression of the spinal cord by cervical spondylosis, vitamin B12 deficiency etc.
None of those conditions represents a medical emergency but sooner or later an evaluation will be needed to check for other neurological signs which might be present in MS, reproduction of the symptoms by bending the neck and if the suspicion is confirmed a MRI should be scheduled.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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