NeuroTalk Support Groups - Electric shock type sensation

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Electric shock type sensation

Hi There.
Something strange happened to me about an hour ago and its kind of frightened me. I did something i never do and looked up my illness on the net and was directed to this forum.
Basically i have Peripheral Neuropathy caused by Chemotherapy. It has affected my balance.. i have constant aching legs and pins and needle sensation in my arms and hands and also the nerve in my inner ear has been affected.

I was sat watching the television and suddenly a very strong "electric shock" type of sensation came into my hands, up my arms and into my head... I'm a bit concerned and wondered if anyone else has ever had this sensation? I have had PN for about 4 years now and never ever had this feeling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiepudding (Post 867826)

I'm a bit concerned and wondered if anyone else has ever had this sensation?

Hi Yorkiepudding, :welcome_sign:

Yes, electrical shock sensations, pins & needles, needle jab sensations, are all fairly common symptoms with PN. I've had 'em all. These kinds of sensations normally travel along our nerves, and when those nerves get damaged, similar signals (somewhat like phantom pains) can occur.

It may happen again, or continue to happen periodically. Depending on things like frequency, duration, and intensity, it may be a disconcerting nuisance (albeit downright rude :icon_exclaim: ), or it may be painful enough :icon_cry: that some kind of treatment is desired/warranted (a question for you & your doctor). The medications gabapentin and/or Lyrica are beneficial to some people (you may already be on one); others get relief from supplements (magnesium, stabilized R-Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L Carnitine, others - see supplements sub-forum) and/or a TENS unit.

HTH,

Doc

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

There are some studies on PubMed showing that acetyl carnitine can help with chemo induced PNs. It is best taken while receiving the chemo, but I'd try it after, as you really have nothing to lose.

Chemo can damage DNA and also the mitochondria in cells. Acetyl Carnitine can enable mitochondria to function better.

Quote:

CNS Drugs. 2007;21 Suppl 1:39-43; discussion 45-6.
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a short review.
De Grandis D.
Source

Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale Civile di Rovigo, Rovigo, Italy. ddegrandis@iol.it
Abstract

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a major complication associated with the use of chemotherapeutic agents such as platinum compounds, taxanes and vinca alkaloids. The neurotoxicity of chemotherapy depends not only on the anticancer agent(s) used, the cumulative dose and the delivery method, but also on the capacity of the nerve to cope with the nerve-damaging process. The sensory and motor symptoms and signs of neurotoxicity are disabling, and have a significant impact on the quality of life of cancer patients. Moreover, the risk of cumulative toxicity may limit the use of highly effective chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral neurotoxicity secondary to chemotherapy are major clinical issues. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), the acetyl ester of L-carnitine, plays an essential role in intermediary metabolism. Some of the properties exhibited by ALC include neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions, antioxidant activity, positive actions on mitochondrial metabolism, and stabilisation of intracellular membranes. ALC has demonstrated efficacy and high tolerability in the treatment of neuropathies of various aetiologies, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In several experimental settings, the prophylactic administration of ALC prevented the occurrence of peripheral neurotoxicity commonly induced by chemotherapeutic agents. In animal models of CIPN, ALC administration promoted the recovery of nerve conduction velocity, restored the mechanical nociceptive threshold, and induced analgesia by up-regulating the expression of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors in dorsal root ganglia. These results, plus the favourable safety profile of ALC in neuropathies of other aetiologies, have led to the effects of ALC on CIPN being investigated in cancer patients. Preliminary results have confirmed the reasonably good tolerability profile and the efficacy of ALC on CIPN. The present studies support the use of ALC in cancer patients with persisting neurotoxicity induced by paclitaxel or cisplatin treatment.

PMID:
17696592
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

I would think you would need at least one or 2 grams a day in divided doses. You could start at 500mg a day and increase.
This is another more lengthy article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430690/

Acetyl carnitine is better absorbed than plain l-carnitine. Because of its limited absorption, taking several smaller doses over the day, may result in better response.

I do think you should report this symptom to your doctor, as some connection to your cancer, or illness may be happening.
People with cancer can develop a neuropathy called paraneoplastic PN.

yes, after 11 years i still get those electrical jolts. not all the time, but once in a while. sometimes my whole body jerks as if i were hit with high amperage.

I used to get small electric shocks. I am now on Neurontin and Tramadol and they seemed to let up. I would sometimes get them from touching water or metal. The vibrations from gRocery carts would give me a buzz.

Thank you all ever so much for responding and i must apologise for not answering sooner but my internet decided it had had anough! I have an appointment at the doctors tomorrow so will mention this to him. It was quite scary as it has never happened before. Once again Thank You all xxx

Quote:

Originally Posted by januarybabe (Post 867878)

Its funny that you say that. Last summer we had a small magnitude earth quake on the east coast. i was waiting in a deli for the meat to be cut and was leaning against the display refrigerator with my hand. i felt the vibrations of the refrigerator but thought it was just me and my PN, didnt find out until later that there had been an earthquake...ha!