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What Causes Electric Shock Type Sensations In Upper Abdomen And Arms?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: My 10 year old son has been experiencing sharp electric shocks at random in his upper abdomen, arms and back area. He's had a full body MRI and a Brain MRI, both came back as clear so far no explanation for this.
He had another episode this morning whilst competing in a 50 Mtr swimming race at school so had to stop.
He was winning at the time so disappointed he could not finish

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It apeears to be neurogenic pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The character of pain suggests that it is neurogenic pain. It usually occurs due to some wear and tear of nerves. It can be due to slip disk/herniated disk. Did he have any kind of injuries in the past?

You have said that all scans are normal. Did the doctor check for prolapse or herniation of disc? It would be worthwhile to consult another radiologist and get the scans reported.

If MR report is normal even after rereading then the issue may be related to a condition called Burners and Stringers, in which there can be electric shock like pain and it is common in athletes. There is not any specific treatment of this condition other than physiotherapy and it subsides on its own over a period of time.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (39 minutes later)

I do have the disks from both MRI's. I can maybe copy and email to you if that would help. He hasn't had any previous back or disc trauma prior to these symptoms starting about 18 months ago. They have been more frequent recently for what ever reason. The local Dr didn't indicate whether he was familiar with the possibilities of cause you mentioned above.
My son is quite athletic and participates in regular athletics events at school etc.
He also enjoys golf every 2 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may consult a pediatric neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would suggest you to consult a neurologist and to discuss about the need of any medicine as sometimes drugs like gabapentine and amitrytiline may help.
Also you can discuss for any physiotherapy if needed.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (11 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor

Your opinion makes more sense in the last hour than 4 visits to our young local physician.
We'll ask for a referral to a neurologist and go from there.

Kind regards
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX and XXXXXXX XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My pleasure

Detailed Answer:
Its my pleasure XXXXXXX I will be glad to answer if you have any further query.
Wishing your family good health.
Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju