Zaps, Zings and Electric Shocks

[Quixotic1]

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

[Tracenewbs]

Hi Alex,
            thanks for your reply,yes the tn is tough,pain scale is way up there,will keep you posted on results,next Wednesday,
                                Tracey.

[HVAC]

Sounds like the doctor is doing all the right tests. I know it is hard to wait. We all want a diagnosis to validate our symptoms. TN is tough. There are other medications to try. If it gets really bad there is gamma knife surgery but that is if it is intolerable since it can have serious side effects.

Let us know what the doctor says.

Alex

[Tracenewbs]

Hi,I'm new to this forum,I have not been diagnosed yet,but waiting to see neuro next week to get my results from evoked potentials,bloods and Mri of brain& spine with contrast.

Most of my zaps and zings come from trigeminal neuralgia which began about three years ago,back then it was just mild zings and scalp tingling,but everything stepped up a gear last April and it led me to see my doctor,who told me it was tn and prescribed amitriptyline,which worked for a while,then attacks became more often and more vicious,like somebody hitting me with an electric pic axe every ten seconds.

I could not swallow saliva,turn my head,or even speak,without causing the pic axe to deliver a STUNNING blow to my head along with electric current that brought me to my knees. I now take gabapentin 900mg x3 daily. It takes the edge off the pain,but it is always trying to breakthrough.

The other symptoms are electric shock pain in fingers when applying pressure to grasp things,turning on taps etc; along with all the usual pins and needles,numbness,buzzing etc; I am nervous about the results,but also will be relieved to find some answers.

Thanks,Tracenewbs x

[kwarendorf]

Hi Peachy, Marie and VMfl

Welcome to the group. THis is a pretty old thread. It hasn't been updated in almost a year. Many of the original participants no longer visit.

You might "Post a Question" and intro duce yourselves. We're a pretty friendly bunch :-)

Kyle

[PEACHYKEEN47]

I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MS BUT ONLY HAD PROBLEMS THE YEAR I WAS DIAGINODED WHICH WAS 1988. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I HAVE WHAT FEELS LIKE BOLTS OF ELECTRICITY IN MY ARMS AND LEGS. ORIGINALLY I THOUGHT IT WAS RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME BUT AFTER READING COUNTLESS ARTICLES ON RLS I DONT THINK THAT IS THE PROBLEM. THEY (THE BOLTS) ARE QUICK JUST LIKE A BOLT OF ELECTRICITY THAT RUNS THROUGH MY LEGS AND SOMETIMES MY ARMS. ANY INFO OR TREATMENT FOR THIS WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL. OH I DONT KNOW IF THIS MEANS ANYTHING BUT I CANT TAKE OVER THE COUNTER MEDS LIKE SLEEP AIDS , COLD MEDS ECT BECAUSE THEY MAKE THE BOLTS WORSE

[MSLUPUSMARIE]

A beautiful poem, a lasting tribute to a lovely lady from a sweet & caring listener. I have MS & Lupus, I don't allow my illness to define me yet it sometimes puts me in a terrible predicament. It is life altering & restrictive, yet I focus on the good & positive. Life is to be lived with all we have & my family are my drive & will to laugh, love & live.