Ask a Neurologist
19.02.2009 - neck pain
- Question:
I was diagnosed with MS last summer. I was told that I apparently have had MS for about 15 years based on all the symptoms I have experienced throughout the years, and no one put two and two together.
When I bend my head to look down I get pain in the back of my neck and it goes all the way up the back of my head. It feels like an electric shock, is the best way I can describe it. It is very painful and catches me off guard.
This has been going on for about 3 days now and I have not had this happen to me before. Is this something associated with MS? If so, what causes this to happen?
Thank you for your advice,
EB
- Reply:
What you describe is called the sign of Lhermitte which is typical for MS. It usually disappears spontaneously or can be treated by a short course of Prednisolon (1000 mg iv, 3 days) if no contraindications are present. The sign is due to a lesion in the cervical spinal cord.
- Consultant:
- Dr. E.A.C.M. Sanders