Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What sign is indicated by tingling hands after flexing the neck?

1. Babinski's sign

2. Lhermittes sign

3. Hoffman's reflex

4. Romberg's sign

The correct answer is: Lhermittes sign

Tingling hands after flexing the neck is indicative of Lhermitte's sign. This sign is characterized by a sensation of electric shock-like pain that radiates down the spine into the arms or legs, often triggered by neck flexion. It is commonly associated with multiple sclerosis but can also occur in other conditions that affect the cervical spinal cord or cause lesions, such as cervical spondylosis. This phenomenon occurs because bending the neck can put tension on the spinal cord and nerve roots, prompting abnormal sensations. It serves as a helpful clinical sign in differentiating neurological conditions, particularly in assessing for demyelination in the spinal column. Other signs mentioned, such as Babinski's sign, Hoffman's reflex, and Romberg's sign, reflect different neurological assessments and responses that do not relate specifically to neck flexion.