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“Brain Zaps”
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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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!
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3 Reactions@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.
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1 ReactionI had brain zaps after quitting Effexor. Gabapentin reduced the frequncy of the zaps.
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.
I get this feeling that comes on suddenly. It feels like my brain is freezing up for a couple seconds. It's a scary feeling, especially while driving. I've noticed that that it happens if I miss a couple doses of my zoloft.
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1 ReactionHi, I had this while driving. It lasted for a few months and hasn't returned to that extent. Brain zap is a better explanation then what I described it as. It only happened to me while driving at freeway speeds. It's scary for sure.
Now I have other weird symptoms, not brain zaps.
I hope you are getting better. The medical field hasn't an answer.
Yes! For 4 years now. Its progressively getting worse. I’ve seen neurologists, Ent doctors, you name it. They look at me like I’m making it up. Most doctors aren’t even aware of the subject. I’m going nuts. Here’s the weird thing. Every Marchand April they just disappear and nothing happens. Then today they came back with a vengeance. I’ve tried diets, doctors, you name it.