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

[Paula711612]

sorry i can only type one handed. i get these electric shock feelings quite often n my useless right hand's fingertips. they r more shockig than painful or i have a hi pain tolerance. yes i have ms. from jan 2 2013 to april 19 2013 i had a crappy doc that told me my stmptoms where n my head. now i have a good doc. i havent decided how long i'm willing to live like this yet. im so alone and scared. would appreciate someone contacting me via email at ***@**** i'm scared

[toofrustrated]

I'm so glad to have so many others describing this symptom.  I have no diagnosis yet, and I'm new to this forum (looking for answers).  I described these painful sensations to my neurologist as 'bug bite' feelings.  They have only been on my arms, legs, and feet (both sides).  Sometimes they wake me up at night.  It comes on very sudden, and goes away as quickly as it comes.  It feels like something is biting, pinching, or poking me, but i guess zaps and zings are pretty appropriate descriptions as well.  I've had these pains for about a year now, and they are my most annoying and persistent symptom.  
Thanks for the posts!

[Carvan]

Was told by neurologist that this is a brain disorder, wanted to prescribe meds used for people with seizures. I refused.
No name.

[Carvan]

Most of my zap are on my toes but have got them on other parts of my body including the odd zap on face. Started out about 20 yrs ago as very very short zap on toe. As time goes on pain more intense, interrupts what i'm doing or saying.Now are very painful lasting up to a minute. Must put pressure on it to tolerate it. Nerve specialists want to give me meds used for seizures. I refused.

[immisceo]

Hi Suzaq! You've come across an oldish post. Farrah doesn't appear to have participated in the community since 2009, so it's unlikely that you'll get a direct response to your question. However, if you start a new topic (the "post a question'" link at the top of this page) you'll have a bunch of currently active members who'll be happy to weigh in.

Alternatively, you can look at the top right of this page for answers to similar questions in the box marked "search this community". If it's limited to your head and neck, you may find the search term "lhermitte's sign" helpful.

Either way, glad you found us!

[Suzaq]

Hi Farrah, I came across your post. I am sorry you experience these electric shocks ad that you have MS. I have had electric shocks in my head and neck for 5 years. I am suspicious of MS but in the past nothing has shown up. Is there anything that helps or any medication.
Thank you so much,
Suzaq