"Electric Shock" type pain in my scalp!

Posted by Deby @deby, Aug 17, 2011

It feels like someone is touching my scalp with an electric wire or prod. Like a "zap" and then it takes a few seconds to get over it. It happens 2 or more times per MINUTE! It lastes for a couple of days usually and when it goes away it takes a few more days for my scalp not to be sore. I don't know how many times a year it occurs but when it does, like today, it drives me crazy. I walk around making weird faces and people stare at me. They think I have a headache or migrain but I don't, the pain is only on my scalp not IN my head. Sometimes the shocks occur over and over for a minute, then go back to 2 or more times per minute. It's the weirdest thing and I can't wait for it to be over. I never know when it's going to occur or what brings it on. Anyone ever heard of something like this?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @martyk "Why would you need an colonoscopy at 88YO? I've heard that once you hit 75 they..." + (show)

Hi @martyk, I'm 79 and had many colonoscopies over the years but had one earlier this year that was the worst experience I've had with a procedure. I had the same discussion with my doctor since she said I needed another one scheduled for 2025. My young lady doctor put it to me as "it just depends on how long you expect to live". Didn't much like that when she said it but after thinking it over some, I realized that is the question I need to ask myself. I've had small polyps removed each time I had a colonoscopy in the past which is normally why they would schedule another colonoscopy even at the older age.

martyk | @martyk | Jul 21, 2022

Thanks John. I too have one or two polyps removed every five years. I've been told that if you don't have colon cancer that runs in the family and watch your diet, it's very unlikely that you will develop colon cancer after the age of 75. I understand Gastrointestinal doctor's have to continue to make a good living.

cantab | @cantab | Jul 21, 2022

In reply to @martyk "Why would you need an colonoscopy at 88YO? I've heard that once you hit 75 they..." + (show)

It's because I once had cancer, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and had a lower piece of my small intestine removed. I also had prostate cancer for which I received radiation. And cancer of the colon runs in my family.
I also have Barret's Esophagus in my throat which is why the endoscopy.

skeleton | @skeleton | Jul 22, 2022

In reply to @cantab "I read all of the above but this last one really struck home! For the last..." + (show)

It is the sad everywhere. I hope you get relief soon. Skeleton

cantab | @cantab | Jul 22, 2022

In reply to @martyk "Thanks John. I too have one or two polyps removed every five years. I've been told..." + (show)

Unnecessary remark on the reputation of gastroenterologist doctors. They don’t get paid by piecework, but by the accuracy and we’ll being of their patients. Enough with the negativity that’s running rampant today and doesn’t help the health. Positivity does help!

martyk | @martyk | Jul 22, 2022

In reply to @cantab "Unnecessary remark on the reputation of gastroenterologist doctors. They don’t get paid by piecework, but by..." + (show)

Right. I'm 74 Yo and I have seen medicine slip a little in my lifetime. Like any other profession there are average doctor's and very good doctor's. Let's hope they keep the Hippocrates Oath.

cantab | @cantab | Jul 22, 2022

In reply to @martyk "Right. I'm 74 Yo and I have seen medicine slip a little in my lifetime. Like..." + (show)

I’m 88 years old and appreciate the work being done to keep me alive and comfortable. My perception is that the “ slipping”is overseen and doesn’t last long because of self policing.

laneyh | @laneyh | Aug 1, 2022

In reply to @switchinggranny "Deby - look up trigeminal neuralgia. I had this most terrible disease. It was actually a..." + (show)

My father has this as well as and takes Tegertol for it, also has to eliminate all sugar. Sugar is what causes his.

Ranger | @kjelley | Aug 3, 2022

I have had Occipital Neuralgia for twelve years. I did have shock like symptoms, but most difficult was literally incessant pain between level 3 and 8 24/7. I’m 10 months post surgery where the removed my occipital nerves. It’s been a life changer. My pain has been reduced by 80%, I’ve cut back 75% on my pain meds, and I’m tapering off my prednisone (anti inflammatory) medication. Hopefully, I then taper completely off the pain medication.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 4, 2022

In reply to @kjelley "I have had Occipital Neuralgia for twelve years. I did have shock like symptoms, but most..." + (show)

Hello @kjelley, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your story. It great to hear you finally found something that provided real relief after 12 years of pain. There is another discussion you might find helpful:

-- Occipital Neuralgia: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/occipital-neuralgia/

I've tapered off of prednisone twice for Polymyalgia Rheumatica so I know that can be challenging at times. My rheumatologist had me keep a daily pain log along with the prednisone dosage for the day. When it came time to taper, if my pain level was more than a 1 or 2, I stayed at the same dose for a few days and tried again. Sometimes I had to go up by half of the previous taper but finally was able to taper completely off of the prednisone.

Did your doctor suggest a tapering schedule?