OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Unexplained Electric Shock Sensations: Seeking Guidance

I am a 21-year-old male in good physical condition, currently taking bupropion at 150 mg twice a day and propranolol as needed. Around two years ago, during a bout of fever-induced delirium, I accidentally knocked over a lamp, which resulted in a mild electric shock. Although it wasn’t severe, it sent me back into my fever-induced stupor. The following week, I began to experience random electric shock sensations under my armpit, which eventually subsided. Approximately seven months ago, while on 150 mg of venlafaxine, these electric sensations reemerged, particularly under stress or when I missed a dose of my medication. This time, I felt them in my head, eyes, armpit, and along the saphenous nerve. My GP and I attributed these to the well-known 'brain zaps' often associated with medication side effects. This was particularly challenging during withdrawal, as I experienced numerous shocks daily. Now, some time has passed, and I still have persistent and uncomfortable electric sensations running along my saphenous nerve, which seem to be increasing in length. A few months later, I began experiencing unilateral zaps in my neck, which have been quite distressing. Sometimes these sensations catch me off guard, even causing me to jump or scream! Currently, these incidents occur almost every other day, primarily affecting my saphenous nerve during hurried activities and towards the end of my stride. The neck shocks occur unexpectedly in various positions and movements, making it difficult to pinpoint any specific triggers. I also notice that shocks in my radial nerve have become less frequent. Complicating matters, I have instability in my hip on the opposite side, which tends to 'pop' in and out of place while I walk, possibly impacting my saphenous nerve. Additionally, one shoulder is unstable, and the other dislocates for prolonged periods. While this discomfort isn’t particularly painful, I occasionally feel heat or numbness in the affected areas, potentially due to the effort I make to stabilize the joint rather than from any direct nerve entrapment. My Beighton score is 5, and although I've raised concerns about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) with various doctors, they've largely dismissed my suspicions. My GP did suggest some basic physiotherapy. Given these experiences, what could be causing my symptoms, and what steps can I take to address them? I share this now following a particularly jarring electric shock in my neck—my concern is that the situation may continue to escalate. Which type of specialist should I consult for these issues? A neurologist? Rheumatologist? Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

Answers (1)

7/12/2025, 1:50:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your experience with electric shock sensations, particularly under stress and in conjunction with your medications, raises some valid concerns. These symptoms could be related to medication effects, nerve sensitivity, or even structural issues with your joints. Let's break this down to clarify your situation and offer you some actionable steps.

Main Points:

1. Possible Causes: Your symptoms may be tied to medication side effects, stress response, nerve entrapment, and possibly the impacts of joint instability.
2. Next Steps for Management: Focus on a multi-faceted approach including monitoring, physical therapy, and potentially consulting the right specialists.

Explanation:

• Medication Effects: Bupropion and venlafaxine can cause "brain zaps" and other sensory symptoms, especially during dosage changes or withdrawal. Since you have a history of these sensations corresponding to medication changes, it’s important to discuss your current regimen with your doctor.
• Structural Concerns: Your joint instability could potentially exert pressure on nerves, leading to abnormal sensations. The popping sounds and feelings of instability suggest underlying musculoskeletal issues, which may exacerbate your nerve symptoms.
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): Given your Beighton score and symptoms, it's understandable to seek clarification about EDS, as it may relate to your joint instability and sensory issues.

Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of when and how often these electric shock sensations occur, along with any potential triggers (stress, missed medication, activities), to help in your assessment.
2. Consult a Neurologist: Since you're experiencing nerve-related symptoms like electric shocks and have a history of similar sensations possibly linked to medication, a neurologist can perform a thorough evaluation to rule out any underlying neurological conditions.
3. Seek a Rheumatologist or Geneticist: If your concern about EDS persists, a rheumatologist can assess connective tissues and joint issues, while a geneticist may provide more conclusive insights into EDS.
4. Consider Physiotherapy: Engage in physical therapy focusing on stabilization techniques for your hip and shoulder. This can relieve some pressure from the saphenous nerve and improve your overall joint function.
5. Manage Stress: Implement stress-relief techniques (like breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation) to help reduce the frequency or intensity of your symptoms.

By taking these steps, you can better manage your symptoms and work towards identifying and addressing any underlying conditions contributing to your discomfort. If you have further questions or need additional details, feel free to reach out. Take care!