stereotactic breast biopsy feeling of electric shock

[Jeanne3604]

During a stereotactic breast biopsy for calcification deep in the chest wall (DCIS), all went well until I felt a sharp pinch.  The technician said she would administer anesthesia, at which time I felt an electric jolt throughout my body causing my body to stiffen and then fall onto the table (similar to the rapid, visible response of electric paddles on a heart patient).  What happened?  All the rest of the test went well.  I would do the test again if need be, but next time I won't say "ouch"!!  I think it would have gone well had the additional medication not been applied to a nerve that had been "bitten".  Please explain.  Thank you.  Jeanne


This discussion is related to Stereostatic Biopsy vs Needle Core Biopsy.

[Jeanne3604]

I was told at a second planned stereotactic biopsy that the only time there is any pain is a feeling of a pinch (scoring a 2 on the pain scale of 10) if the biopsy machine hits a vein.  That's all I have to go on, oh and that the site of the biopsy would not stop bleeding; I am not a bleeder.  That reaffirms my assumption that a vein was bitten.  My dear girl, I am so sorry that you were given a 2nd and 3rd dose of lidocaine/epinepherine.  Each time the combination was applied to the damaged vein the "shock" was twice as bad as the time before!  

[sooz8]

I am so glad i read your post. I also had severe pain when having a stereo biopsy done. I had had a stereo once before and remember it was uncomfortable but bearable. This time it was going fine, the radiologist had taken about 8 samples when all of a sudden i had extreme pain. They gave me more lidocaine and tried again, the pain was worse. The radiologist blamed the pain on dense breast tissue and gave me a third does of lidocaine. At this point my body was shaking so bad and they had to stop the procedure. I am wondering now if the same thing happened to me. How did you know they nicked a vein?

[Jeanne3604]

After 2 years, I found out what happened to cause the "shock" feeling at the stereotactic biopsy.  When I noted that I felt a "pinch" during the procedure, that indicated that a vein was damaged.  When more anaestesia (sp?) was administered, that applied epinepherine into the vein.  Ouch.  Epinepherine into a vein causes "unfortunate discomfort" (to say the least).  As a side bar, now that I know what happened I have been off from Lexipro for 2 months with no problem.  I was not depressed about the breast cancer, I was in "post traumatic stress syndrom" over the whys/whats of the "shocking" stereotactic biopsy.  Whew.  It's done and over. Amen.  Jeanne

[Jeanne3604]

Thank you for your very helpful information.  Jeanne

[Dennis MD]

Hi Jeanne.
The medicines given to you are the usual medicines given during local anesthesia administration.  There is a possibility that you had a drug reaction.        
You should tell the anesthesiologist the reaction you had during the administration of the anesthesia so that anesthesia induction can be delivered safely and uneventful.  Perhaps a different kind of anesthesia can be given to you.
Take care.  

[Jeanne3604]

Thank you for your information.  I appreciate it.  The 2 medications listed on the report are Buffered Lidocaine 1% and Buffered Lidocaine 1% with Epinephrine 1:100,000, Dose 20cc.  Yes, this is the first time I have experienced this occurrence.

I have a surgical biopsy soon because of more calcification in the same breast 1 year later; what do you suggest I tell the anaestesiologist?  Kind regards, Jeanne

[Dennis MD]

Hi Jeanne.
Do you know the drug that was administered to you?  Is this the first time you experienced such occurrence?  
Immense pain elicited after a very light touch is called hyperesthesia.  After experiencing the intense pain, you may have experienced vasovagal syncope or loss of consciousness that caused you body to stiffen and fall onto the table.
A reaction to the drug administered is also a possibility.
If there is a need to do a procedure on you, please tell your doctor or the technician that you experienced such reaction so that they will be more cautious in giving a drug or in doing the procedure.
Good luck.          

[japdip]

Technicians do assist but Radiologists do the stereotactic biopsies and/or Surgeons.

[madgeOwens]

WHoa I am soooooooooo glad my surgeon did my biopsy....I found it uncomfortable on the table especially with a bad disc in my neck but the only pain I had was the pinching when the lidocain was injected. I am hoping I never have to have that again.