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147426 tn?1317265632

Zaps, Zings and Electric Shocks

I am rewriting this as a new post, because it seems important.  There is a type of paroxysmal paresthesia that people describe as feeling like a sudden "zap of electricity" or an "intense zing like a sudden electric current."  Other desribe it as feeling like being electrocuted without the dying.  This appears to be different from the ongoing tingling that many of us have.  It is an intense, sudden thing that comes and is gone.

How many here have this?

If you have it, what does it feel like?  and where is it?

Are you diagnosed with MS?

The reason I asked is that I looked through two other threads that talk about this and the vast majority of those that identified with this did not have a diagnosis of MS (yet).  I am wondering if it is common in this disease.  It is often complained of in Lyme Disease, but I have also heard of it in Transverse Myelitis (which also could be MS).  I suspect it is common to any demyelinating disease, but curious as to the experience here, even if you have posted on the older thread.

Zaps and Zings only, please, lol.  No ongoing tingles.

Quix
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Avatar universal
I get this when I'm laying down on my back. It starts in the center of my abdomen and the shock radiates outward. It only lasts a few seconds. I was diagnosed with Sick Building Syndrome (high levels of Stachybotrys in my body). This only began when I was being treated for the toxic mold plus a parasite infection. At the time of treatment it was also in my head and in rapid succession, I thought I may have a seizure. Since then my health has rapidly transformed from treatment, however, I still get the abdomen electric shocks. At one point one of my doctors said it's low magnesium, but I take magnesium and I don't think that's it. I came to this forum to figure out what else it might be. Who knows maybe I still have mold in my body. I need to get retested.
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Avatar universal
I had 2 incredible episodes of this electric like sensation top of head to toes and fingers too. Neither related to new activity.   Had similar in 2009 when I tripped on stairs twice.  Anyway the 2 episodes were followed by two trips to emergency, and 2 neurologists.  First said hyperventilation and I got the second opinion who said it was my Chiari.  He said the electric like symptoms were L'hemitte signs. Very interesting.  I also had an incredible shaking sensation starting in toes and went to neck, not head.  When I googled this I found John Hopkins website said that could be miscommunication between the cerebellum and the remainder of the brain.  Neither symptom since.  More MRIs band watchful waiting by neurosurgeon. All have settled down but taking Lyrica now.  Best exercise walking.  Good luck. Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
I had the flu vaccine a week ago and pains like these have mee worried about Guillain-Barre
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Avatar universal
I was checked by MRI and they did find gray matter in the brain.  They said this maybe MS. They rechecked after 6 months and looked for the specific reason of MS and found it to be where I hit my head previously and NO MS.  
I have what many describe as zaps or electrical shock. I describe it  as being stabbed multiple times before I was diagnosed. After being diagnosed and reading the symptoms online. I thought omg mine is like electrical shock. I have schwannomas. Tumors that can be located anywhere in the body. They grow next to the nerve and cause many symptoms.
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Avatar universal
I had the same thing for the first time last night.   The zap seemed like a firework, at least that’s how it spread in my head and there was a sound.  Two different sounds and it happened four times before I got up.  The feeling started in the middle of the head and spread out like a firework very quickly then disappeared, then another and another.  Very scary.  
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1 Comments
Yep. I get it..I do not have MS.. strange zap. Like a dud firecracker Goin off in my head
Avatar universal
I use to have them so often that it was debilitating.  The worst were in my head and arms but I also had them in my legs and torso.  I also had numerous headaches and ocular migraines which caused temporary blindness.  My doctor started me on Cymbalta and I'm pleased to say that the nerve pain has almost stopped.  My quality of life has improved drastically over the past 4 months.  I no longer need the Gabapentin which I had been taking for several years to help with the pains.  
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I do have MS by the way.
Avatar universal
My symptoms started exactly as mentioned. It is terrifying. Mine is not MS, but the University of Michigan didn't know what to do with my particular bag of tricks, but I am currently on 15 meds. No fun.
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2 Comments
Forgot to say that the zap was like an electric current running around my entire body. Was told I have left side parenthesis
BUT, I do have many other symptoms. Mostly ongoing pain in the left side for which I'm on methadone.
*parasthesis*
Avatar universal
Hello, I also have like brain zaps and then like a wave feeling wash thru my head. It's usually when I am going to sleep or awakened during sleep. I have so many strange symptoms anymore..but this feels like a dud firecracker going off. Almost like my brain is firing duds. Does that make sense?..anyway..there ya have it..
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Avatar universal
I have had the zapps looking back about 15 years off and on. I began seeing ads for Cymbalta withdrawals which led me to visited an ENT. He stated it was possible, I never followed up.  I never payed much attention to it after that until I started seeing a Neurologist for Neuropathy. over the last 4 years she has ran multitudes of tests. I have been diagnosed with POSD. Ive taken a few different meds over the past 3 years. I have not taken any meds for this in over a year. No Cymbalta for 2 years, but, replaced with Lexapro. now Im cutting it back and zapping has restarted.  Im very baffled over what to do other than not tell the Neurologist and continue Lexapro. she will start seizure meds again and Im not convinced it is POSD.
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Avatar universal
I get them. They started as a teenager.  I thought maybe I just needed chiropractic care for my neck.  A Dr said it could be from antibiotics.  That didn't make sense for my situation bc I wasnt on them.  It doesn't hurt.  Just a zap in my brain that goes down to my fingertips.  It comes and goes without reason.  It stops me in my tracks, I can only hear the blood rushing in my ears and I think I close my eyes and just stand there for the second it lasts.  I got diagnosed with MS at 44.  My neuro said it was from the lesions on my brain.
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1 Comments
Hi, wanted to welcome you to the MS forum. Thanks for sharing and hope you come back more to share your story and experience.  
Avatar universal
I had same thing happen to me after starting pristiq a mood stabilizer. My doctor states it’s a common complaint she has had from patients.
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Avatar universal
I have this zapping electricity only with a deep hard cough.  It is horribly painful.  I do not have M.S. but my son died at 39 due to SAD  which is an arythmic issue of the heart.
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Avatar universal
I have been having shots down my left arm I've been diagnosed with MS since September 11, 2001 and been on all the medications there is out there. But July 2015 I got diagnosed with psoriasis of the liver which was caused from one of my MS pills so I haven't been on any thing since July I'm going to start an infusion sooN.  But to then does anybody have any suggestions especially with the constant fatigue in the pain can't deal with it no more I can't take any pain meds because of the Liver. Thank you Julie and Warner
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1 Comments
Prettyzippy, how are you doing now?
Avatar universal
I began experiencing mild tingling and burning in both feet, from the left elbow to the outer pinky and ring finger and occasionally in the lower left lip. Had MRI of lumbar and cervical with age related spinal degeration. An uncontrolled bout of high sugar precipitated the symptoms and they've lessened as I control the sugar, removed processed foods and gluten from my diet. Don't know where this will lead to, but my doctor thinks probably peripheral neuropathy is going on in the feet, carpal tunnel in the hands and does know about the lip. I also have been experiencing a phantom smell of smoke and think the root cause is inflammation going on in the body which is most likely from gluten intolerance, toxins from unknown sources and comes with episodes of high sugar or eating inflammatory foods that may be damaging the nerves. So, my game plan is to assume this is the source and change my food and lifestyle to prevent or slow the progression of any autoimmune disease. From my searches, I think unless I develop a full autoimmune disease other than diabetes which I currently have, I probably won't get a diagnosis even after spending thousands of dollars.
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1 Comments
Hi lovemyhealth, i don't know if you are aware but this MS related question is an old thread from 2009.

MS is a disease that damages the central nervous system, diabetes damages the peripheral nervous system and diabetes is suppose to be the one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.

If you research 'diabetic neuropathy' you'll find there is a lot of scientific research and diabetic support groups, you will likely find some very helpful information to help you manage your condition.

Hope that helps......JJ
Avatar universal
For about the last 3 years I have been experiencing what feels to be a cattle prod hitting the 2 large muscles in the center of my back that straddle my spine. This happens on average once per month. It is extremely spontanious, no warning signs noticable whatsoever. Sometimes it stops right away, but most of the time it sticks with me for up to 3-5 minutes. It takes my breath away instantly and I feel the shocking/electrocuding sensation all the way through my stomach. I am a male of 23 years of age and am in fine, fit health. I do not and have not been prescribed any medications. What is going on in my back!!?
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2 Comments
I also got the same similar I got tingling in my back as if string were going through it it makes me latch out an go nuts like I almost wann kill my self literally i can't tell you how bad it makes me go nuts I even smash things I'm 23 an in alright health as I thought anyways please let me know if you have any ideas wat could be doing this to me said I also assume ppl say but see strong come at my skin as if u were a magnet and sometimes I'll have something metal in my hand an it will go flying out of my hand I also got a video of a human coming out of my wall an he says you want a piece of me yea ******** but no it's the truth I never believed in gost until this happened to me I got certain clips in the video where I am covered in black dots an then certain parts my body will bubble like someone or something is crawling inside me then I freak out an swing at the air get Disney an really weak please help I got a three year old son an I beleive honestly I'm possessed by a evil ghost as I call it the devil an I'm scared I may end up dieing it's taking over me wayever it is I gotta get through this my son loves me so I much I can't imagine Him not being able to see his daddy every weekend it would rip the little boy apart as it's tearing me apart right now just to right this please someone please help anything is an option at this point I'm loosing it anymore I'm under a lot of stress which maybe someway causeing it
DJ, you've got some kind of demonic thing going on there, DJ, and you need deliverance. Fortunately for you, there is still a man who heals the sick and sets captives free. You may have heard him called the 'Man from Galilee'. He is the risen Savior, endowed with power from on high, and he is mighty to save. You can put your trust in him to deliver you from this affliction and he will not fail you. I am going to pray for you in his name, even in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, and you are going to receive your deliverance. Then, you must find a church where the people know how to get born again and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Do it for your son. God bless.
Avatar universal
I have something that happens to me that is similar to what you're describing I have a sudden Buzz or a zap that happens in my head it only last for a split second it goes away as fast as it comes on it seems like an electric shock or a buzz when it happens my vision goes all white and I lose equilibrium it's not painful but it does feel like an electric shock in my brain or a zapp or bzzzz. I sure hope it turna out to be nothing.
a year now or so it's been going on hopefully it turns out to be nothing. As for my health I am a 31 year old white female I do have Hepatitis C other than that I'm in good health I do smoke cigarettes but I work outside daily manual labor I walk to exercise I eat well I am not overweight and I do not drink alcohol or partake in any other extracurricular activities if you get my drift. I hope this can help you out sorry I haven't had any diagnosis to give you
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2 Comments
I experience what seems to be the same thing.  It is frightening when it happens and just a moment ago I heard the loudest snap in my head while I was lying down.  I have seen a neurologist and had an mri.  I have a follow up appointment this week.  
I experience shocks in my head they are weird. When it happens it like is only for a few seconds but it disorients me and makes my lips go numb and tingly. I am currently in the process of being diagnosed for MS. I see a MS specialist this coming Tuesday for the first time.
Avatar universal
Hi i noticed in your writing a similiar affect that i feel but i do not know what it is so i am useless in helping you for now i can describe what i am going thru please allow me to share thank you. I am in my early 50's I am not diabetic I do have high blood pressure and my doctor has presribed me with high coletsetral and heart tablets once a day medicines. I have lost 2kg weight and quit smoking. I am a very energetic lady and health conscious.

Since early July 2016 I have been experiencing this dreadful, terrible throbbing pain as if im being electricuted and it is always in my left leg. It is a pain that quite hard for me to describe because I hardly get sore unless its self inflicted e.g cold leg muscles. The shock last for about 20 to 30 seconds and then its gone. I dread it when the same pain comes back its always in the same place up the front of my left leg. It feels like a electrical shock to the system it comes back unannounced. Would sure be awesome to get a massage I'm sure that'll do the trick for anyone.
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Avatar universal
Wondered how all of your Zips, Zings and "phantom phone" started. I've been having this random out of no where electric shock from my elbow all the way down to the tips of my fingers. The shock only lasts a second or two but wow its intense but it if I touch my elbow its straight back. Not sure if its something to do with a nerve but you all know what happens when you put something in google, apparently your dying but its apparently, Cubital Tunnel or MS.

Not been to see anyone about it, having it at the moment and came across this post and thought someone might be able to give me an insight.

Sarah
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1 Comments
Hi Sarah and welcome, it's possible for your post to be missed or not get very many responses simply because this is an old conversation....

The ulnar nerve runs from your neck all the way to your hand, it ends in two branches that innervate the little and half of the ring finger, so if what you've been experiencing feels 'very similar' to what typically happens when you've bumped your funny bone (without the bumping part), it's likely still a temporary nerve entrapment issue but i'd still advise you to bring this to the attention of your doctor and get it checked out.

Hope that helps...JJ
Avatar universal
Love the fact that "zaps" and "zings" are used to describe this. Makes this page much easier to find. "Lightning strike in my leg" doesn't quite hit the Google goldmine.

I don't have MS, but am on a drug (colchicine) for recurrent pericarditis with a known side effect of paresthesisas. I actually went through this with another drug years ago (Kineret). In the first case the paresthesias were pretty textbook with lots of tingling. On the cochicine, it has primarily consisted of zaps and zings that remind me of ice pick headaches, but in the leg. Like ice pick headaches there's a sudden intense sensation of ... I don't know ... stabbing, cramping, burning, electric shock ... along a very narrow pathway in my foot or leg, lasting easily less than a minute, probably no more than 30 seconds (which would be about 3 times as long as your typical ice pick headache.) So far it's worth staying on the colchicine as it only happens maybe half a dozen times a week. It seems to happen more at night (which is when I take the drug), and so creates an issue with getting to sleep.

Are folks having trouble getting this recognized as a valid paresthesia?

Good luck, all!
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Avatar universal
hi,just a quick update,my evoked potentials where normal,just had lumbar puncture done on Thursday. Not mega fun,but not as bad as everyone says. Did'nt get the headache,just sore back.

Will get results on September 9th. Still being zapped with TN. Looks weird wearing a wooly hat in summer because the breeze can start the zings off!!

Even air con; in shops sets it off!

My own Dr told me I had two lesions in the ventricles and one on left side of my head.

Keep you posted,Tracey.
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Avatar universal
My zapping toe/foot pain brought me to this site. It comes suddenly and unexpectedly and lasts a second at most but the intensity is enough to make me shout.

It feels like a huge electric shock and unfortunately it is occurring with increasing frequency. I don't know what it is or how to prevent it happening. I'm reluctant to see a doctor because I never know when it will happen so I can show them my symptoms.

The only upside is that when it stops there is no ongoing pain whatsoever.
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Avatar universal
Last Oct I began feeling "pressure"/bugs drilling in very specific spots on my brain. Now, in the last month- the head thing has continued in more locations- but now am having serious continuous balance issues and new zaps and zings in my neck, left arm, legs , stomach and left ear! Had an MRI last week...white spots show up but nothing conclusive. Recently did a bunch of blood work to rule out stuff. I'm laying on the couch- not normal- and VERY FRUSTRATED. Can anyone relate?
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Avatar universal
Hi Quix I am Dogballs, and you have just described exactly what has just started occurring with me.  I don't get tingling anywhere else just at base of my neck that runs right up the center of my head and feels like an electric shock. and I could be doing anything when it occurs even sitting doing nothing.  It happens and then it's gone.  Other wise I am 62 years old and can do anything a 42 year old can do.  I am very physically fit and still SCUBA dive.  Like you I am wondering is this a warning to me of something Bigger getting ready to happen.  The only thing I have done recently as far as change is loose  from 238 lbs to 212 lbs in about two months. My goal is to be 200 lbs or 199 lbs by 10 June.  But the loss of weight should not have anything to do with this I feel. I do take a BP med once a day.
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Avatar universal
Hi Alex,
            Just a quick update on my results. My Mri showed 3 non-specific lesions,not sure which part of brain,I was''nt taking it in properly,my husband said it was 4 actually,3 in one part and another somewhere else.

He wants to do a lumbar puncture to get a clearer diagnosis. Not my favourite thing to look forward to!! But has to be done. Will get that done in a few weeks time. He also repeated a blood test which was high,it was called ACE.,he said it can point to sarcoidosis.

My evoked potentials results will be chased up!! He did,not have them sent to him,but will have them in a day or two.

So,not much further on,will have to be patient and play the waiting game again,
         Thanks,Tracey.

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