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McArdle's sign in multiple sclerosis
J H O'Neill1, K R Mills, N M Murray
1National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, Queen Square, London, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Neck flexion can temporarily worsen gait and leg weakness in some multiple sclerosis patients. This reversible sign, now named McArdle's sign, highlights neurological responses to specific movements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- MS pathology involves demyelination and axonal damage, leading to diverse neurological deficits.
- Understanding specific clinical signs aids in diagnosis and management of MS.
Observation:
- A case study of a patient with multiple sclerosis presented with specific neurological changes.
- Neck flexion (chin-to-chest movement) was observed to elicit distinct symptoms.
- These symptoms included a temporary worsening of gait and increased pyramidal weakness in the lower limbs.
Findings:
- Neck flexion induced a reversible deterioration in gait.
- Pyramidal weakness in the lower limbs increased upon neck flexion.
- The authors proposed naming this reproducible phenomenon McArdle's sign.
Implications:
- McArdle's sign may serve as a novel clinical indicator in multiple sclerosis assessment.
- This sign could offer insights into the pathophysiology of motor control in MS.
- Further research is warranted to validate McArdle's sign and its diagnostic utility in MS.
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