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What Causes Electric Shock Sensation In Chest And Arms?

Posted on Tue, 24 Nov 2015

Question: I'm just going to bed and as I lay there i had a one half second electrical shock from my left chest and down my left arm (top side that naturally faces out) that reached to half way down my forearm. Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get a consultation from cardiologist and an ecg

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Left sided chest pain and radiation to left arm should be evaluated for cardiac illness.
At this age atherosclerosis and narrowing of blood vessels occurs.
Is there any previous risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, previous cardiac illness, dyslipidemia.
You should consult a cardiologist and atleast get an ecg done.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (6 hours later)

I just had a stress test within the last 30 days and my heart was "amazingly good". I'm wondering about pinched nerves in my back perhaps?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Visit a neurologist for detailed examination

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Recurrent such pain with radiation without any chest pain, breathlessness, sweating, anxiety may be due to nerve root compression both due to age related bony degeneration and scoliosis.
If objective sensory loss, weakness or intolerable pain occurs you need to consult a neurologist and get investigated.
At present continue previous medications.
For neuropathic pain pregabalin, gabapentin may be added.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

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