[33F] Experiencing body zaps, lightheadedness, and brain fog

Patient Description

A 33-year-old female has been experiencing sudden jolts or 'body zaps' for the past three months, which initially affected her arms and hands but have now become generalized. These sensations are more pronounced during movement and after taking propranolol, which she uses twice a week as needed. Rest and sleep alleviate the symptoms. She also suffers from lightheadedness, particularly when standing up from a seated position, rating the severity as 7 out of 10. Additionally, she has been dealing with brain fog for the past 4-5 years, which developed after panic attacks. Her medical history includes panic attacks, OCD, depression, and GAD, diagnosed in 2021. She is currently on Escitalopram 20mg daily, which was increased from 10mg, and propranolol 10mg as needed. She supplements with vitamin D, iron, and magnesium. No new medications have been started recently, and she has no known drug allergies. She had COVID-19 in January.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the sudden jolts or 'body zaps' you're experiencing could be related to your medication, specifically Escitalopram. Escitalopram is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). One of the potential side effects of SSRIs is a sensation that some people describe as 'brain zaps', 'brain shocks', 'brain shivers', or 'brain flips'. While these sensations are usually associated with the brain, they can sometimes be felt throughout the body.

The fact that these jolts started appearing after your Escitalopram dosage was increased and that they seem to be more prominent after taking your medication supports this possibility. However, it's also important to note that other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.

Your lightheadedness when standing up from a sitting position could be due to a condition known as orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

The 'brain fog' you're experiencing could be related to your anxiety and panic attacks. It's quite common for people with these conditions to experience periods of 'brain fog'.

What you can do

Consult with your healthcare provider: It's important to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, especially since they seem to be related to your medication. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and adjust your medication if necessary.
Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when these jolts occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet: This can help manage your lightheadedness.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Ensuring that you get enough quality sleep can help manage your 'brain fog' and anxiety.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe headache
High fever
Seizures
Sudden worsening of your symptoms
New symptoms

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Orthostatic Hypotension: American Heart Association Guidelines

[33F] Experiencing body zaps, lightheadedness, and brain fog

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?