Understanding the Lhermitte's Sign Assessment
To screen for **central nervous system pathology** such as **Multiple Sclerosis (MS)**, cervical myelopathy, or other spinal cord lesions.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or supine.
What happens?
The patient is asked to **actively flex the head and neck** maximally toward their chest.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A sudden, transient, electric-shock-like sensation that radiates down the **spine** and/or into the **limbs**.
Helpful Tip:
The sign indicates hyper-excitability or damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord (posterior cord).
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Cervical Spine Tests
Distraction Test (Cervical)
To relieve symptoms associated with **Cervical Radiculopathy** (nerve root compression) or **Facet Joint irritation**.
Foraminal Compression Test (Spurling's Test)
To detect **Cervical Radiculopathy** caused by nerve root compression, usually due to **foraminal stenosis** (bone spurs) or a **disc herniation**.
Jackson Compression Test (Vertical Compression)
To detect general **nerve root irritation** or **facet joint pathology** (less specific than Spurling's).
Maximal Cervical Compression Test
To assess for general **cervical nerve root compression** and **facet joint irritation**.