Although electric shock sensations in the head are highly unpleasant, there is not much scientific literature nor a proper medical term to describe them. Nevertheless, electric shocks have been linked to numerous medical conditions, which is why they call for prompt evaluation.
Read on to learn all about the electric shock sensation in the head, including what symptoms it brings about, what causes electric shock feeling in the head, and what are the best ways to manage it for long-lasting relief.
Symptoms of Electric Shock Sensation in the Head
Most women experiencing an electric shock sensation in the head describe it as jolt-like jabs, pulses of electricity inside the head, sharp micro-stabs in the skull, or shivers in the brain.
Sometimes these sensations are painful, come with dizziness, and might last for a few seconds, days, and even months in severe cases.
When Should I See the Doctor?
By themselves, electric shocks in the head have not been shown harmful or dangerous. They do not seem to damage the nerves or tissues in the brain, and in many cases, they go away on their own.
However,their occurrence might indicate various serious and progressing illnesses. So, an electric shock sensation in the head, as well as other parts of the body, should be evaluated. This is especially true if they are accompanied by vision changes, severe pain, or loss of consciousness.
Causes of Electric Shock Sensation in the Head
The causes of electric shock sensations are not clear to medicine. They are seen in countless conditions, some easily treated with herbal supplements and others requiring more advanced treatments. They might include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Long-term stress and anxiety
- Medications side effects
- Discontinuation of medications for depression, anxiety, or migraines
- Alcohol abuse
- Toxin exposure
- Head injury
- Migraine
- Occipital neuralgia
- Herniated cervical disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Brain tumor
Management of Electric Shocks in the Head
Since electric shocks have been associated with a wide range of medical conditions, their management is not always easy and focuses mainly on various lifestyle changes and natural remedies.
To lessen the impact electric shocks in the head have on your life, consider these recommendations:
Lifestyle Changes
Monitor alcohol consumption. While occasional drinks are not prohibited, it is best to cut down on alcohol all together, especially while trying to find best approaches to relieving the head shocks. If drinking is a problem, reach out to your physician or local support groups to get help.
Take medications cautiously. If you suspect your medications cause electric shocks, ask your doctor for safer alternatives. When stopping prescription medications, like antidepressants, do it gradually with the help of your doctor in order to reduce the risk of further electric shocks sensation in the head.1
Exercise regularly. While most women are familiar with the stress-relieving benefits of being active, many may not know they can exercise to balance hormone levels.2 Also, it is worth undergoing physical therapy to reduce the effects of herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and other conditions to relieve electric shocks in the head.
Alternative Medicine
Resolve nutritional deficiencies. While not studied specifically in terms of brain zaps, vitamin B12, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids have supporting effects on the nervous system and are crucial for brain health maintenance.3 Find them in food sources, like eggs, fish, beans, and dairy as well as nutritional supplements.
Consider herbal supplements. Two types of herbal supplements including phytoestrogenic supplements, like black cohosh or red clover, and hormone-regulating supplements, like Macafem, can effectively balance hormones, thus reducing the occurrence of electric shocks in the head.
Partake in acupuncture. Although acupuncture has not been studied specifically for brain zaps, it has shown to stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the body and brain to trigger healing processes. It can also relieve stress and anxiety, which also contributes to a healthy brain and electric-like shocks reduction.4
Conclusions
Although in many cases, the aforementioned approaches to reducing shock feelings in the head prove sufficient, some women may need more invasive treatment methods, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to address their root cause. Nevertheless, because of serious side effects associated with such regimens, women whose electric shock sensations in the head have hormonal roots are encouraged to explore various methods to balance hormones naturally first. Equipped with concrete tools, women can be on their way to a symptom-free life in no time!
Sources
- American Family Physician. (2006). Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome. Retrieved September 8, 2017 from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0801/p449.html
- Anxietycentre. (n.d.). Head and Brain Zaps anxiety syndrome. Retrieved September 8, 2017 from http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/brain-zaps.shtml
- Blows, W. (2002). The Biological Basis of Mental Health Nursing. Routledge: New York, USA.
- Consumer Health Digest. (n.d.). What are Brain Shivers and How to Cope with It? Retrieved September 8, 2017 from https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/depression/brain-shivers.html
- Medhealth daily. (2017). What are brain zaps? Retrieved September 8, 2017 from https://www.medhealthdaily.com/what-are-brain-zaps/
- Multiple Sclerosis Trust. (2015). Altered sensations. Retrieved September 8, 2017 from https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/altered-sensations
- Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. (2017). What are the symptoms of MS? Retrieved September 11, 2017 from https://overcomingms.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-is-ms/what-are-the-symptoms/
Footnotes:
- Primary Care Companion CNS Disorders. (2018). Brain Zaps: An Underappreciated Symptom of Antidepressant Discontinuation. Retrieved October 28, 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30605268
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Physical Activity Reduces Stress. Retrieved October 28, 2019 from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st
- Nature Reviews Neurosience. (2008). Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Retrieved October 28, 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
- John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Acupuncture. Retrieved October 28, 2019 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture