It is described as uncomfortable or unusual but is rarely painful.
You may spontaneously experience it, or you may feel it during your physical examination.
MS is characterized by episodes of weakness, sensory changes, and/or visual deficits.
MesquitaFMS / Getty Images
This is why it’s sometimes called the “barber chair phenomenon.”
The most important aspect of your medical evaluation is your medical history.
Any other complaints you have will direct your healthcare provider to the cause of your problem.
For example, if you have double vision, this suggests that multiple sclerosis could be the cause.
If you have joint pain, arthritis could be the cause.
Your physical examination is another very important aspect of the evaluation.
Also remember, it is always important to contact your healthcare provider to investigate the cause of this sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
The sensation can sometimes also travel down the arms and legs.
Lhermittes sign is not painful but can be uncomfortable.
It may feel like a wave going through your entire body.
Lhermittes sign is sparked by a dysfunction of the cervical spinal cord.
Harvard Health Publishing.Drugs that relieve nerve pain.
Teoli D, Rocha Cabrero F, Ghassemzadeh S.Lhermitte Sign.
In:StatPearls[Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
