"Electric Shock" type pain in my scalp!

This is Laura, thank you for reaching out. The doctors says there's nothing they can do for me and go to a charopractor and see if my neck is out. I'm not sure if the will help cause the pressure gets bad at times and I have a hard time focusing on things. I'm going to college on like, and when the pressure hits I lag in classes. Does anyone else have this problem or me?

When my symtoms hit, I add more pressure to the spot, or try to. Then my right side of head will feel like its being wieghted down by a rock. I was also told I was looking for sympathy.

They can't do anything for me, the doctor acted like my pain didn't excist and he diffently has a God's complex.

This might be helpful. I had the same head issues....like a tight band was around my head. Neurologist said it had nothing to do with the cervical fusion and kind of ignored the need for an MRI. This was right after my SFN skin test results and diagnosis. Sooooo....I started meditation and mindfulness whenever the head was bad. I found out that the head pain was really stress related. Now if I feel the band tightening, I stop whatever I am doing or exit an uncomfortable social situation, put in my Lullabies for adults music and do a body scan or simple guided meditation. I am learning how to avoid the head issues by avoiding the cause.....stress. My neurologist was right.

@david33 - Don't you love it when a doctor doesn't believe you!

The electric sensation for me is in my feet - peripheral neuropathy. Have you seen a neurologist or a pain specialist? They have both gone out of their way to find the causes and treatment for my pain. If you don't like the doctors you've seen, you can look online for patient reviews before choosing one. I know of 3 sites - Vitals.com, GoogleScholar, and Lifescripts. They aren't a guarantee of a genuine God's gift, but they can give some clues.

I hope that as you persist in finding a doctor who listens and respects you, you'll be successful.

Jim

I have suffered from exactly the same thing for about 50 some years. Having a fever will always trigger an attack but most come for no reason and I am miserable for a couple of days. I can't even comb my head on the side the attack is on. I have never seen a doctor for it and really have never found anything that makes it better, just have to wait until the attack is over. I just can' afford to see doctors and have a bunch of tests and still no real answer. The good news is it hasn't killed me. I often said though if the pain was constant it would or I would at least wish I was dead.

Hello @megamom

I'm really sorry to hear that you have been having this type of pain for such a long time.

Have you ever kept a journal to record the attacks and look at any activities and/or food that might be a trigger? Also, have you ever had shingles? Also, do you have any other symptoms such as balance or gait issues?

Teresa

I had this same problem for over 5 years so far , Same pain character of what most of you described , comes in episodes and lasting for seconds , Am a fresh graduated doctor at the time am posting this , I did some of researches/consulting but didn't reach a clear cause , although through my research I was able to reach some points
1- there's a high chance its "Scalp folliculitis" and its actually has almost the very similar character of stapping/shock pain , and I noticed mine usually exaggerating with "Scalp Dandruff" , so you might consider checking a dermatologist
2- It's not likely to be a series problem , and panicking may increase the symptoms , you need to get rid of Hair Dandruff or any other scalp/hair related conditions , and by doing a self morning massage it will hopefully work fine to reduce the attacks intensity, at least for me =)

I just stumbled on this discussion while researching Maxalt which my friend says is a "miracle drug" for migraines. Does anyone know whether Maxalt is effective with the electrical shock headache attacks discussed here?

I can't remember when I started getting these headaches, but I've suffered for probably 25 or so years with them. My mom has had them since her 20's as well and I always assumed it was a "gift" genetically passed on to me. I don't recall if her mother got them too, but I think it is just the two of us in my family. Years ago w started referring to them as zapzaps.

Until finding this discussion, I could never describe these attacks to anyone else in a way they could understand, as one kind of has to be an unfortunate member of this terrible club to get it -- and I get it it. OMG, do I feel your pain!

Several times a year I get intense electrical stabbing shock headache attacks that start with a not-so-pleasent tingling sensation, which turns into a pain deep in my ear canal, then takes its final form of the repeated stabbing shocks that move around my scalp as the days go on. If I'm particularly unlucky, the attack might settle in or around my eye socket, or remain in the ear canal. These attacks are so debilitating that I cannot go to work and am in bed for the duration, which typically lasts 2 to 5 days. The nerves around the attack location whether facial or on the scalp are extremely sensitive and the very hair folicles are screaming in pain if I touch or brush my hair.

If I catch it in the early tingling stage I can manage the pain by taking 3 regular strength Tylenol tablets every four hours on the dot for at least 3 days. If I miss a dose I run the risk of a full-blown attack, or if I miss that early window of time to medicate, there is NOTHING that will stop a full-blown attack. I know of no triggering medication or event. They strike randomly and the periods of time between attacks varies. Sometimes I'll get two in one month, then nothing for 6 months, or I've gone for a year between attacks. No rhyme or reason or pattern.

Well, thanks for listening. It felt strangely satisfying to vent to an audience who obviously understands. If anyone has any info on the effectiveness of Maxalt on these types of headaches, please post!

Hello @jmksd2018 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear about all the uncomfortable head pain you have experienced.

Have you had an evaluation of these symptoms by a doctor? If not, that would be a good first step. You do not mention other health problems or medications that you take, however and evaluation by a doctor might rule out anything that might be triggering these painful attacks.

Perhaps some other members of this group will be able to discuss treatments that have helped them with their "shock-like" head pain.

While I do not know anything about the medication you mentioned, Maxalt, here is link from drugs.com, ciscussing it, https://www.drugs.com/maxalt.html

We look forward to getting to know you, please post as you are able.

Teresa