In a Patient Receiving Radiation to the Spine, What Sign Is an Indicator of Myelopathy?

February 08, 2019

The Answer

The answer is D. Lhermitte’s sign  

Lhermitte’s sign (LS) (https://www.croh-online.com/article/S1040-8428(09)00100-0/pdf) is characterized by an electric shock-like sensation felt down the spine and limbs often prompted by flexion of the neck. Researchers believe that it is the result of damage to sensory axons in the spinal cord either from a tumor itself or treatments such as radiation. LS is a more transient form of radiation myelopathy than delayed myelopathy, which can result in permanent paralysis. 

Hoover’s sign is a test for functional weakness of the leg. Brudzinski’s and Kernig’s signs indicate the presence of meningitis.  


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