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What Causes Intermittent Electrical Shock Sensations In Right Upper Chest Area?
Posted on
Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Answered on
Wed, 3 Feb 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : For a few weeks or so, I have been experiencing intermittent electrical shock sensations that only last a few moments in the right upper chest area just above where I have an implanted port. The port is about a year old and is maintained monthly. The pain does not radiate. It is not related to breathing or reflux. The electric shocks seem to occur when I am engaged in some form of physical activity that requires use of my arms (reaching, lifting). I am a steroid induced diabetic, a severe oxygen dependent asthmatic (have been stable for me for almost a year), steroid dependent due to the asthma severity and as a result now adrenally insufficient when not on steroids. Full cardiac work up was clear besides a touch of tachycardia due to pulmonary meds. Is it possible I may have inadvertently pulled the internal sutures loose around my port, as the port feels like it has moved higher up than it should be (now at/above the scar line vs below)?
Brief Answer:
Possible irritated nerve.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Electric sensation in an area of body under the skin is a symptom mainly related to abnormally charged nerve(s) and/or muscles, or it can be related to pinched nerve too.
It is not a common symptom of all health issues you mentioned.
It is important to know if the port you refer contains any electronic device, that can be responsible to intermittent electric charges around it, triggered by movement.
A pinched nerve by the port/device also is one possible explanation of your concerns.
In all cases a port revision is needed to understand better the cause of your symptoms, and, if any abnormal movement is noticed, re positioning is needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Possible irritated nerve.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Electric sensation in an area of body under the skin is a symptom mainly related to abnormally charged nerve(s) and/or muscles, or it can be related to pinched nerve too.
It is not a common symptom of all health issues you mentioned.
It is important to know if the port you refer contains any electronic device, that can be responsible to intermittent electric charges around it, triggered by movement.
A pinched nerve by the port/device also is one possible explanation of your concerns.
In all cases a port revision is needed to understand better the cause of your symptoms, and, if any abnormal movement is noticed, re positioning is needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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