electric..lightning bolt?

Question

im 22 years old and i get headaches maybe once a week. but sometimes i get this sharp, quick pain, kinda reminds me of a lightning bolt...in my head. it only lasts for two seconds, but it leaves me a lil confused as to what just happened. it hurts bad. what is this?

trigemgirl · Answer

I had one big lightning-bolt type shooting pain that began in my upper right skull and traveled through my right eye. It was so powerful I almost fell off my chair. It lasted about 3 seconds, and my right eye felt like something was in it for weeks afterward. Then I developed a pressure/burning pain in my right temple that lasted on and off for a few months. Then no pain for 3 months. Then I had a chiropractic adjustment. That evening I started having sharp stabbing pain in my right cheek as well as shooting electric pains in my top teeth and gums. 
I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia by a well respected neurologist in my city. I was prescribed anti epileptic drugs that had awful side effects. Then I learned that some TN patients are helped by upper cervical care through a specialized chiropractic field called Orthogonal Chiropractic. I am happy to say I am pain free since May 1st, 2014 and totally off all drugs.I do not have MS. Does my story sound familiar to anyone out there?

AuntieEm44 · Answer

Hey I get those too. Today in fact, I had the shooting pains (very awful) on the upper right side of my head. Same spot each time. It felt literally like a lightning bolt branching out and hurt really bad but just for a split second. After that I felt 'fuzzy'. Do you get that too?

Sometimes I get a similar thing, but like someone is taking washcloth and swiping 'through' my brain. It doesn't hurt but i physically feel it and it disorients me momentarily.

Jarianabelle · Answer

I just started getting these the day before yesterday; I'm a 21 year old female. The only medication change i've had recently would be birth control pills, but I only took them for a month and stopped taking them about two weeks ago.

These lightning headaches, the occur for less then a seccond, a quick sensation of mild pain zapping through upper right, forward-facing section of my head. Just today I started experiencing dull throbbing in the same area, but this lightning feeling began abruptly and has been occuring at least a couple times every our since. I don't notice it when I'm asleep though.

I'm not sure what it is, if it's its own type of headache or a variation of one already existing, but I'd like to know what's happening.

Ball123 · Answer

Ice pick headaches?

Sels85 · Answer

I always get these on a regular basis at the moment. 
They literally appear and are gone within seconds. I imagine if it was a constant pain i wouldn't be able to do anything but as it is it's so sudden it doesn't have a huge effect. Very scary indeed though!

I also haven't noticed a reason but it happens every day at a random time. Sometimes once a day, sometimes several times throughout the day.

genevieve45 · Answer

I had similar problem - when I bend my head forward I get this feeling of electricity running in my head. My Dr didn’t t have a plausible explanation. Maybe you can help me with your experience, Thank you Genevieve

Cat788286 · Answer

I get these "lightening headaches, also" .  They are scarey and sometimes feel like they'll bring me to my knees.  Happens so quickly, then it's over. I've had several lately, but am also having sinus problems...wonder if it's related.  But I do know that they are scarey.  Wish I knew for sure what was causing them so I could quit worrying.

Akcowboy · Answer

Yes I been getting them for over 13 years now both on meds and without meds, but from what I have been reading up on this it happens to more ppl with different disorders as well and is quite common.

  I have even gone so far as too ask all my doctors in both the past and now , many don't have an answer to it but when I did tell him that when I bend my head forward I get this feeling of electricity running down my back side, now that did get his attention and now I'm going though more and more testings for it 

  But the ones in the head was of little concern to them

Tink40 · Answer

I have suffered from these for years, when I try to explain it people look at me like I am crazy. I am suffering from these "lightning headaches" right this very moment,it is so strange how they just appear out of the blue I havent noticed what triggers them yet and I have been looking for a possible trigger, but they are very painful and hurt so deep, wierd how it feels like electricity going through your brain, notice I didnt say skull_ I said brain. I am starting to have this type of pain in my shoulders and upper back and in my hands and fingers rarely but it is starting. I really dont know what ot do after all they come and go with no warning. Has anyone alse noticed that as well?

MonikaC2k7 · Answer

Hello,

I've definitely suffered from this too.  Some people call them "brain zaps" or "brain shivers".  The occassionaly happen when one withdrawals from certain anti-depressants too quickly.  Mine happened after I discontinued taking Elavil (150 mgs per day) for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain.  Their very unnerving and uncomfortable.  I don't know if any on this would apply to you, but if you had stopped any medications recently you might ask your MD.  I hope you feel better soon.

Monika

VanessaMD · Answer

Hi,

Sharp stabbing pains that last for a few seconds may be nerve related. I suggest you seek consult with a neurologist so that a complete neurologic assessment be done. A CT scan of the cervical spine may help rule out any cervicogenic cause. Nerve impingement and joint disorder in the spine may present as sharp stabbing pains. 

Another differential is occipital neuralgia. You may discuss this with your physician.Nerve related pain may not readily respond to OTC analgesics. 

At work or at home, always get the best support for your back and neck. Positional factors may also cause musculoskeletal problems.

dasilvanyfa · Answer

No eye redness or any of that. it occurs maybe twice a day, but not every day. I would say it happens once a week.

VanessaMD · Answer

Hi,

How often does this occur?

Does this occur several times each day?

Any associated eye redness, eye tearing or nasal discharge?

Sharp pains that lasts for only a few seconds may have several differentials.These include, cluster headaches, hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania , the SUNCT headaches. Since you are only 22 , other more common disorders like a musculoskeletal problem, a dislocated TMJ, ear infections and neuralgia may be considered.

Observe your symptoms.If these persist or progress, I suggest you seek consult with a neurologist for proper evaluation.

LuisMac · Answer

Not sure what it is, but I would see a chiropractor. I say this from experience. When my sister use to have major headaches everyday, she began seeing a great chiropractor and in a couple of years of adjestment she rarely needs to go back. It does take a while to correct issuees like this one if a chiropractor can help. And go off a recommendation from someone who has visited a chiropractor in your area. Not all of them are good.

At www.nutrasanus.com they have an ask the doctor area that you could list this question as well.

Hope this helps.