Lhermitte's sign

Lhermitte's sign
Other namesLhermitte phenomenon
Pronunciation
Differential diagnosisCompression of the upper spinal cord, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, Behçet's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta

In neurology, Lhermitte phenomenon, also called the barber chair phenomenon, is an uncomfortable "electrical" sensation that runs down the back and into the limbs. The sensation can feel like it goes up or down the spine. It is painful for some, although others might simply feel strange sensations.[1]

In many people, it is elicited by bending the head forward.[2] It can also be evoked when a practitioner pounds on the cervical spine while the neck is flexed; this is caused by involvement of the posterior columns.

Lhermitte phenomenon is named after the French neurologist Jean Lhermitte.

  1. ^ "Lhermitte's sign | MS Trust".
  2. ^ "Definition of Lhermitte sign". medterms medical dictionary a-z list. MedicineNet.com. Retrieved 20 April 2011.