I have been getting "electric shocks" down my left arm for the past two weeks. Is this a part of TOS?

Thanks
Rach

Rachael For the past couple of days I have been getting electric type shocks down my right arm. (My TOS side). Also, When I am typing I inadvertently move a finger on a key. I don't mean to and I'm not sure why. I see my neurologist on Monday and am going to ask him. Also, just having a very bad day of pain. Was running low on pain meds so had to wait exta hours. It's scary for 2 reasons. Scary that you can't go without meds and scary that you need them. I don't know. Anyway, yes I have experienced this recently. My moms boyfriend has parkinsons and anytime I see this type of thing I get nervous! Hopefully someone with knowledge can clue you in. I don't know the answer but hope it goes away. Linda

What things have you been doing at the times you get these shocks, or just prior?

Have you noticed any other new sx, or increases/changes in other sx?

Have you been possibly doing too much recently?

Were you in A/C when these "shocks" occurred?

Are you currently taking anything for neuropathic pain - i.e., Neurontin, Lyrica, Trileptal, Cymbalta, Elavil, amy/nortryptaline (sp) or other of the tricyclics or anti-seizure meds that are are often more effective than pain meds used alone?

More info please!

beth

Hi Beth, hopefully I can answer all the questions you asked...here we go:

What things have you been doing at the times you get these shocks, or just prior? Nothing really out of the ordinary. I notice it most when my arm is elevated or if I am using ex..reaching...lifting

Have you noticed any other new sx, or increases/changes in other sx? All my symptoms have increased over the last year. I used to be able to go a couple of weeks feeling good...now I am lucky to get a day or two feeling good. Increased pressure in my arms. Hands swelled, burning and achy. Headaches and stiffness in shoulders has increased as well.

Have you been possibly doing too much recently? Aren't we always doing what we shouldn't?? lol I try not to and to watch myself, but I find most times it doesn't really matter. A few weeks ago my P/T wanted to start doing some exercises in my wrists...after two times I was in a nasty flare and haven't done it again.

Were you in A/C when these "shocks" occurred? No, just inside the house. They almost feel as though I am sticking my finger in a light socket. The pain is more pronounced right at my elbow.

Are you currently taking anything for neuropathic pain - i.e., Neurontin, Lyrica, Trileptal, Cymbalta, Elavil, amy/nortryptaline (sp) or other of the tricyclics or anti-seizure meds that are are often more effective than pain meds used alone? The only pain meds I take is demerol daily. I suffer all day..some days worse than others until I can get home to take it. My family doc is looking to send me to pain management when I see him this week, although it takes a couple of months to get in. Quality of life is getting worse, surgery list is long and I am not sure how to manage this nasty beast.

My doc doesn't know what to do or how to treat....and to be honest, I get more info here that I do from him...thats why I asked about the new "sx"

Thanks for the help
Rach

Dr Togut had a namr for them, Zingers. From what I remember he said, Football players would get them. A player would get their arm knocked backwards in running, and zinger down the arm. The nerve is sending a hyper signal....
di

I get those also, the tip of my pinky finger on my affected side. It happens when i accidently brush it against something. The electric shock shoots clear up to my elbow and i about scream. Seems strange I can get those but yet that finger and ring finger are numb.

What would the hyper signal be telling me? It feels as though I have having one of those EMG's.Is this something I should worry about?

ihtos...I feel them from the neck down my arm, but very prominent just above my elbow.

Hurts like a son-of-a- gun...lol

Rach

Hi Rachael; I get this symptom as well. It is usually both arms, shoulder's and especially at both elbows. I had more emg studies, about a month ago. There is some compression at the elbows but not enough to warrant surgery for an ulnar nerve release. I find it's brought about from carrying, sweeping, mopping and sometimes just the way I hold my arm(bending it). Just a guess that the nerve bundle is compressed at the thoracic inlet and there's not enough room for the ulnar nerve. Just one of the many nerves that can be affected from imflammation. I have a certain amount of pain everyday but some activities really can flare me up more. Just pushing a grocery cart or carrying mail back from the mail box with my arm bent increases the pain in my upper extremity. Take Care

We had a DC on the old forum for a time and he would say that it only takes 3 or 30 grams?? or milligrams?? {can't remember the exact amounts} of pressure on a nerve to start causing a symptom.

So my guess is that something is starting to put some pressure on that nerve. Since it is just starting to happen now is the best time to try and head it off.
If you can use the anatomy links {in useful sticky} and maybe track that nerve to find out the best stretches or postures and relaxation moves to help release that pressure or run it by a expert PT or DC if you have found one near you.
Of course try not to do anything that will worsen or aggravate it.

I will talk with my P/T and see if he can help. I am figuring it is par for the course, but would like to head it off....on a positive note...if I don't use that arm, it doesn't hurt!! lol.
I am almost 100% it is the Ulnar nerve, but the sharpest point of the zap is not exactly that spot on my elbow, it's more towards the other side of elbow...