Question

Lhermitte's symptom is found in :

• A. \( \text{Multiple sclerosis} \)
• B. \( \text{Amyloidosis} \)
• C. \( \text{Anterior horn cell disease} \)
• D. \( \text{Parkinsonism} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Neurology: Lhermitte's Sign.} Remember that Lhermitte's sign, the electric shock sensation down the spine with neck flexion, is a key indicator of spinal cord demyelination and is most strongly associated with multiple sclerosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Lhermitte's sign, also known as Lhermitte's phenomenon, is a sudden, brief, electric shock-like sensation that travels down the spine and often into the limbs upon flexion of the neck. This symptom is commonly associated with conditions that cause demyelination or damage to the spinal cord. The most well-known association of Lhermitte's sign is with Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system. Let's briefly consider why the other options are less likely: Amyloidosis: This is a group of diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs. While neurological involvement can occur in some forms of amyloidosis (e.g., amyloid neuropathy), Lhermitte's sign is not a typical feature. Anterior horn cell disease: This refers to conditions affecting the motor neurons in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or poliomyelitis. These diseases primarily cause muscle weakness and atrophy, not the specific sensory phenomenon of Lhermitte's sign. Parkinsonism: This is a neurological syndrome characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, commonly seen in Parkinson's disease. Lhermitte's sign is not a feature of parkinsonism. Therefore, Lhermitte's symptom is most characteristically found in Multiple sclerosis.