Are these 'zapping' sensations my new normal?

9/26/2017

Here is My Question:
I am 49 year old female diagnosed with MS in 2004 and according to my neurologist I'm now in the secondary progressive phase. I'm currently on Rituxin and biotin. Lately I started experiencing electric like shocks radiating from the tip of my right ring finger to my chest. My neurologist ordered 3 days of steroids and initially the zapping subsided but now it's been 5 days and shocks are back. Is there anything I should be tested for or is this my new normal? Thank you.

Answer:
Hopefully the “zapping” sensations are not your new normal and will subside over the next few weeks. These sensations are often effectively treated with Gabapentin, Pregabalin or carbamazepine
Ask your neurologist about these medications and good luck.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego

Jane Browning

11/21/2019 12:07:26 pm

have been prescribed carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia. The capamazepine takes away the pain but had some side effects that are hard to live with: unsteadyness and weakness. I have trouble walking with out a cane. My neurologist said this is not something I will have to take for the rest of my life. When do you know when you have had enough and is this an Rx I can stop cold turkey or do I have go ween off of it like the steroids?

A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc

11/22/2019 08:37:55 am

This is a symptomatic therapy, and used during periods of symptom worsening. If you go a couple weeks without the symptom, it is reasonable to wean off (not stop cold turkey).

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