Electrical Zaps?

[BrandiBrat]

Does anyone get electrical zaps or what feels like an electrical surge feeling in the brain that is brief? If so, do you know what it is? Is it a simple partial?

 

[AndrewIrish]

Sounds more like a myoclonic jerk.... it's very similar to getting 'shocked'....

 

[BrandiBrat]

It doesn't effect my muscles, though. Just my brain...although, that feels like a shock.

 

[Nakamova]

Other CWE folks have mentioned the zaps. It could be a simple partial symptom, akin to the tingling sensations. And/Or it could be a med side effect.

People undergoing withdrawal from anti-depressants can sometimes experience the same thing, due to changes in serotonin levels in the brain.

If it's happening a lot you might try a B6 vitamin. It can help with serotonin changes (which is why it helps with Keppra's mood-related side effects as well.)

 

[BrandiBrat]

Thank you, Nak that was quite helpful. I am especially seizurish this week, as my hormones are raging, and so my episodes have increased. At the same time, I'm also 3 weeks off of the Topamax and a week and a half on the Zonagran (I tried going med-free and that lasted a whole week+ before I started having seizures again, but I have to admit that it was something I needed to try). Denial is a powerful thing

The zaps remind me of a TV that is on the brink of going out...bzzt and then it's over. But for the moment, it is like a mini storm in my head. lol Terrible analogy but I have no idea how to explain it. I have an appt with my neurosurgeon on Friday to schedule the VNS and I didn't want to bring it up to him unless other folks have experienced it for fear of getting the blank stare from him. I hate that!! haha

I haven't been real consistent with taking my vitamins the last couple weeks, so I'll be sure to get back to that. Thank you for the feedback!

 

[Nakamova]

I hope you feel better soon. Some folks also recommend taking omega 3s (like flax oil or fish oil) to help with the zaps.

 

[N Sperlo]

I've had what feels like a shock. It can be part of a simple partial. Its kind of like being smacked on the back of the head. Maybe like having your ears ring for a split second. You may understand.

 

[BrandiBrat]

lol, yes I understand. It comes on quickly and leaves quickly, unlike a complex partial that leaves you messed up for hours. I was on the phone to one of my bosses today when I got one and I was able to pull it off and act like nothing was any different but in my head it felt like a lot of static and I couldn't hear myself think or talk. I see my neurosurgeon tomorrow (moving forward with a VNS) and I won't bring it up to him. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going more crazy than normal. lol I'm glad I'm not the only one, as bad as that sounds.

 

[N Sperlo]

You're certainly not alone. Just went from 100 to 150 mg of Vimpat tonight because of those.

You forget what you're saying and hearing to an extent, but keep on going anyway.

Best of luck tomorrow.

 

[BrandiBrat]

Yes, exactly! I can talk and act perfectly, through them and they last maybe a second or two at most. Thanks, I really do feel so much better....you have no idea! lol

 

[masterjen]

I think I know what you mean by zaps. I can get them and they suddenly cause both shoulders to suddenly jump, or both feet, or just one foot. Sometimes the zap feels like it is in the shoulders or feet themselves, and other times I feel it start in my head and it comes out of my feet and the whole process takes 1/4 second at most.

 

[BrandiBrat]

Masterjen, this is interesting that you feel it through your body. Similar to what AndrewIrish was describing as a shock. Although it doesn't effect my muscles like a jerk (I also have myoclonic episodes), I can see how it may spread to your body like that. And yes, in such a short amount of time! By the time it's over all you can say is What the heck was that?? lol

 

[Crash]

Yes i get it in my head/brain only and as you have said it can disrupt phone calls,speaking to people in the flesh.It's like your wired up to a battery and someone is flicking the switch now and again.I have had some just zap a couple times yet others turn tonic,so i really have no answer.But certainly know what you are describing Brandi.If you find an answer tell me!!!

 

[BrandiBrat]

Yep, that's a good way to describe it with the battery and switch! I did a google search and found some reference to them being simple partials but when I see my epileptologist next month I'll ask him. I saw my other doctor last week and completely forgot to bring it up. It is reassuring to know that other people feel them too, so thank you for sharing with me.