I get brain zaps every day, do you also? If you don't know what a brain zap is then it is safe to say you are not having them.
""Brain zaps" a sudden "jolt," likened to an electric shock, apparently occurring or originating within the brain itself, with associated disorientation for a few seconds"
Try running a wire to ground the house or maybe some of that static guard spray on your cloths.
Theresa, Why are you teasing us with undefined terms? Is that compassionate towards your loyal readers? Are you just tired of typing? Or is "brain zaps" just a euphemism for something you'd rather not spell out?
I thought she was perfectly clear.
When I posted my complaint, Theresa's second paragraph (about the electric shocks) had not been added in yet. "Brain zaps" really was then just a noise looking for a meaning. Theresa wisely decided to clarify.
Park_bear, I edited the post. I was very vague at first.
""Brain zaps" a sudden "jolt," likened to an electric shock, apparently occurring or originating within the brain itself, with associated disorientation for a few seconds"
This is 7 years old. I had what I thought were soft taps felt within my skull. I could cause them by shifting my eyes abruptly from one side to the other. I tried explaining the sensation to the neuro but she never got it. I assumed they had something to do with the vestibular (balance) system of the brain. But they eventually went away.
Hi Theresa,
I assume you are talking about the 'Energy rush' wherein:- Nerve synapses that have been trapped or gated, withheld in muscle tissue due to PD deficit and nerve fiber scare tissue are suddenly released; Travelling like a 'bolt of intense energy' up the Central nerve and zapping the brain with a hard thump!
There have been periods for said zaps with my Restless Leg Syndrome and the answer I found to overcoming the problem (as they are a rare occurrence now) is as follows.
Physio therapy to decompress the spine (drinking plenty of fluid to allow the spinal discs to recover their cushioning role) to help reduce any 'pinching upon the main nerves. Exercises to help keep, the pelvic girdle in corrected alignment with the spine, and the spinal column in optimum 'good posture', along with a healthy diet (maintaining a happy bowel rhythm) have all been invaluable towards overcoming the problem.
Further tips:
Avoid sitting in one position for prolonged periods.
Ensure the spine is optimally aligned with a sensible pillow and good mattress for support etc., at bedtime.
Take 5 minutes in every hour to Relax.
Regards
Andy
No that is not what I'm referring to beauxreflets. I should have explained better and I apologize. These are Zaps in my head. I hear what I would call a 'crackle' sound just for a split second and it feels like a quick electric shock. It's only a split second but definitely gets your attention.
Just seen your edit.
Yes I have had one Zap as you redefined.
Hope you solve the situation.
Regards
Andy
I used to get them, and I know what you are referring to. Before I was diagnosed and on an antidepressant (Effexor). Didn't really feel good about them. There is a site called Crazymeds and I believe they describe them there .
Thank you for your reply redean. I need to mention this to my Neuro next time I go. There must be a reason I'm getting them the last few months without changing my meds.
Hi,
I'm glad I found your post. I was Dxd 3 years ago. I also am ADHD with Tourettes and restless legg These are all on the Tourettes Spectrum, and now along with PD, they are all Dopamine related movement disorders.
Since last summer, I've had 2 torn Meniscus in both knees, and terrible Sciatica. As I had 2 knee surgeries, and 6 months later, I can walk again.
So here's the thing.For a couple of months, I've had bad back pain from my waist to my neck. I've been having bursts of Restl essLeg that go up to my neck, with a very profound shiver.
I should mention that I'm taking a Dopamine agonist Pramipexole a Dopamine agonist, which I thought might help my restless leg, but it in fact controlled my Tourettes ticks about 90%. For Resless leg, it is worse and as I described. Could that shiver be what you have described as energy rush?
If the 'profound shiver' is upward to the brain in a bolt or apparent charge (surge in Synapse current), it sounds like a very similar sensation.
Dushkw what I get does not seem to be as serve as what you describe. I feel no discomfort in my spine or any other part of my body from this phenomenon It's just as shock in the head.
Gee Dumpelkin I didn't think I was teasing. I apologize. The truth is Brain Zaps are so difficult to explain I just didn't want to attempt explaining it but here goes. I found this definition on the internet -----
""Brain zaps" a sudden "jolt," likened to an electric shock, apparently occurring or originating within the brain itself, with associated disorientation for a few seconds"
If you have been a long time users of an SSRI and have backed off of your medicines you probably experienced it. For me my first encounter was many years ago when I stopped taking Zoloft. The Zaps went away after a couple of months. I was off the Zoloft for about two years and had to start on it again because my depression was awful. I don't know any technical name for it.
Now I am on Zoloft and Trazadone -- both are SSRI's. A few months ago I started getting the Zaps and I have not been reducing my SSRI's so I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with Parkinson's and Dopamine depletion and was wondering if anyone else has experienced them.
How much carb/levadopa are you taking?
Nourilo I take Sinemet 4 x daily 25/100, and I take Azilect once a day.
Perhaps once or twice a year, I have had profound shocks from the back of my head. I believe they are electromechancial and not related to PD or to medication. It happens when I suddenly turn my head to one side, and feels like I've just "twanged" a tense rubber band. (That "rubber band" might be a nerve or an artery or a ligament that suddenly got caught on some bony prominence in the back of my cranium.) It's acutely painful and leaves a numb sensation for a second or two. This has been going on for decades--long before I got PD.
What I get is not painful, just a very quick attention getter. Kind of like a zap from static electricity however in the head and I can actually hear a crackel noise in my head when it happens. Very strange.
I also got these zaps about two months on Zoloft 50 mg. Did you figure out how to stop yours or did they just go away on their own?
I have had those zaps for about two years now but never related them to Parkinson's, even though I relate everything else to Parkinson's. Brain zaps are a good way of describing them!
I too think i have those zaps. Just as you described Theresa.
I take madopar and zoloft.
I assumed it was related to PD.
hello I have been having brainzaps since 2022 . First seldom now everyday . I have Parkinson , the Doctors seem unaware of what to do . First suggested it’s fluoxetine a SSRI symptom when getting of the medication , but I had it before and also now two months after ending this medication . For Parkinson I take pramipexol and levodopa . Appreciated if any one has ideas .
The brain that heals itself
Brain Perfusion PET CT Scan
Gut health vs. brain health - conflicting guidance 
Try this 'BRAIN COFFEE'!
