What causes painful electric shock like sensations on body?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been dealing with anxiety for almost a year now. I have also been having weird electric current type zapping, which is very uncomfortable and painful. They go through the whole right side of my body, sometimes coming and going for minutes. I think it is from my anxiety, and not because of my medication. I take Librium, Gabapentin, and Seroquel. I did experience similar currents a long time ago, but they went away. This time, they will not go away, and I need help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. You have been prescribed an anti-psychotic and anti-depressant as well as Chlordiazepoxide for your problem in the past.This type of presentation can be due to severe anxiety. But, before labeling anxiety as the cause, all the neurological causes like neuropathy has to be ruled out first. I suggest the following investigations: 1. Serum B12 estimation. 2. Serum RBS (Random blood sugar). 3. Serum urea, creatinine. 4. Serum albumin, SGPT (Serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), SGOT (Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase). 5. Electrolyte measurement. 6. Nerve conduction velocity. If a neurological cause is absent, then it is due to a psychiatric reason like anxiety. For your anxiety, a detailed evaluation should be done, and a suitable medication like Fluoxetine and, if required, Alprazolam can be prescribed for that. The prescribed anti-depressant medication needs to be taken for up to six to eight months continuously along with behavioral counseling. These medications act a the biological level by increasing serotonin. Hence keep these points in mind while you consult a nearby psychiatrist for your examination. Take care.