What are ‘brain zaps’ and should they worry you

One moment you’re fine, and then suddenly your brain gets a sudden “electric shock”. For someone who’s never experienced it before, the sudden sensation can feel confusing. This sensation is called ‘brain zaps’. But what exactly are these sensations and do they signal something alarming? Let’s find out. According to Medical News Today, brain zaps are sensory disturbances that can feel like electrical shock sensations in the brain. A person may also notice a brief buzzing sound and feel faint or black out momentarily.Neurologist Doug Strobel told Woman’s World “Brain zaps have many names and are short, painful intracranial phenomena”. There is still ongoing research on the scientific basis of brain zaps. As per Medical News Today, The most consistently documented cause or trigger is when a person decreases or stops using certain medications, particularly antidepressants. According to a WebMD article, For a 2024 study, researchers surveyed 1,148 people who either had stopped taking antidepressants or were in the process of stopping. The results showed that 4 out of 5 people had moderate to severe symptoms. Of the approximately 950 people who answered questions about brain zaps, just over 75% reported having had them.Having to feel a sudden shock in the brain can be scary, and sometimes may even create panic. While experts say brain zaps are often harmless, they also caution that assuming every episode is benign isn’t right. Neurologist Doug Strobel told Woman’s World, “They (brain zaps) can cause anxiety, and talking with your doctor can help rule out other medical causes for them.” He adds that if the sensation happens along with loss of consciousness or lingering weakness, further testing, such as an EEG or MRI, may be needed to rule out conditions like seizures or stroke.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.