What Causes Sudden Onset Of Electrical Sensations Radiating From Triceps To Chest?

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2015

Question: what is the likely cause of sudden, very brief (less than 1 second) shocks that go from the triceps to the chest, and followed by a "warm" feeling in those areas? They feel "prickly", like electrical shocks. They are mild, but strange.

I'm healthy, and have no other symptoms than this (no sweating or chest tightness). This has been happening about 20 times per day, at seemingly random times, over the last week or so. I can tolerate it, but at the same time it's a little scary, as I don't normally get recurring pains.
I have a pacemaker (non-dependent), acid reflux, and some anxiety. I take no medication.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Stress related episodes

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Such brief electrical painful sensation without any sweating, chest pain or discomfort may be ephatic transmission of nerve stimulation or may be related to stress.
You need not to worry.
In my patients i usually advice amitriptyline 10 mg in night along with methylcobalamin.
You can also take some proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Get well soon.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (14 hours later)

Thanks for your evaluation.

I'm left wondering if this would be caused by carrying heavy backpacks, as I have done on weekends in the last 3 months. I'm not keen on taking medication, although I will try the methylcobalamin. And I usually alter my diet for acid reflux.

I will also add excercise to my daily routine (start low and go slow). :-)

Since this pain is nerve-related, will chiropractics fix it? could it be spine-related? What reasonable tests could I ask for that would give me the best diagnosis when I see a doctor?

Thanks again!

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes carrying heavy weight may be contributory

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX,
Yes, carrying heavy objects on back with shoulder strapping may be a contributory factor . This may lead to muscular stretching and spasm leading to such manifestation.
Some stretching may lead to nerve impingement also.
The best treatment approach will be to avoid carrying heavy objects, local pain killer , muscle anti spasm medications.
Start physiotherapy after some acute pain is improved.
You don't require chiropractics at present time.
The doctor should examine you properly regarding motor weakness, sensory loss, reflex examination.
Imaging of spine may be required in presence of any significant abnormal examination finding or failure to get relief after medication trail of 1-2 weeks.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj