“Brain Zaps”

Posted by susanfalcon52 @susanfalcon52, Dec 4, 2023

For 20 years I’ve been having this sensation in my head that sort of feels like a mini seizure. I’m saying that, but have never actually had a seizure, so what do I know.
It happens suddenly and literally feels like an electric shock it my head. Only lasts seconds, but leaves me dazed and confused. Then, I get a mild headache.
It really seems minor and some of the effects are certainly made worse by my anxiety about it. I described it to my neurologist who was clueless, but interested. He treats me for migraines, but thinks it’s unrelated.
I google researched it and the phrase “brain zaps” came up. That is a perfect description, but the article said that this happens when you discontinue taking an antidepressant. That’s not it as I haven’t been taking an antidepressant.
Has anyone experienced this?

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worley725 | @worley725 | Apr 14 6:17pm

I have had brain lymphoma which has been in remission for four years - yeahooo. I have felt some possible "brain zaps" but I am not sure? I don't know if it is a symptom or something in my past or not. I had a severe car accident back when I was thirteen years old - my skull was fractured from ear to ear, fractured several bones, and had epigastric problems. I think you need to see other doctors and have studies done to see what might be going on. Good luck!

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Apr 15 8:49am

@susanfalcon52
I have had migraines with and without aura and brain zaps. There were times I felt like a screwdriver was being stabbed in my right temple at times. Stress, hormones, anxiety etc. can wreak havoc on your body. I have taken different antidepressants over the years. Several months ago, I had a major depression episode and was first prescribed 20 mg then 40 mg Fluoxetine (generic for Prozac) then Buproion was added (75 mg 2 times per day; 150 mg total). I immediately started to get brain zaps and tinnitus. Brain zaps seem tied to chemical imbalance since they started immediately after taking new antidepressants. You may want a MRI to see if cervical spine involved (I have cervical spondylitic myelopathy which was causing headaches due to spinal cord compression). I have since had ACDF surgery on c5c6 which helped to reduce headaches and neck/should pain. You may also want other EMG/nerve conduction testing plus MRN to check nerve health.

mrbip | @mrbip | Apr 17 9:12am

I had brain zaps after quitting Effexor. Gabapentin reduced the frequncy of the zaps.

susanfalcon52 | @susanfalcon52 | Apr 18 6:15am

In reply to @mrbip "I had brain zaps after quitting Effexor. Gabapentin reduced the frequncy of the zaps." + (show)

mrbip,

I am beginning to think that my brain zaps are related to migraines. My migraines always include an aura, but actual pain is minor.
I made up the phrase ‘brain zaps’, but when I googled that on a whim, articles about brain zaps occurring as a result of discontinuing anti-depressants popped up.
I get a slight headache after a brain zap.