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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Could Cause Electric Tingles in the Body and How Can They Be Treated?

Electric tingles, felt as shock-like sensations, can be caused by nerve injuries, changes in electrolyte levels, or conditions linked to cancer. Treatment depends on the cause, such as correcting electrolyte imbalances, treating nerve injuries, or managing the underlying illness.

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Explanation

Electric tingles in the body, often described as shock-like sensations, may have several causes. One cause is nerve injury or damage, where the nerves send strange signals to the brain. For instance, when a digital nerve is injured, a person might feel electric shock signs along the injured area. Another cause is an imbalance of electrolytes like calcium or magnesium in the body, which can lead to symptoms such as tingling and muscle spasms known as tetany. In some cancer patients, similar sensations have been reported and may be related to the cancer itself or its treatment, which can affect how nerves work. Treatment varies with the cause. If the tingling is due to a nerve injury, a doctor may suggest special exercises, physical therapy, or medications to help soothe the nerves. If an electrolyte imbalance is the issue, careful adjustment of minerals in the body through supplements or other treatments can help. When the sensation is linked to cancer, managing the cancer and its treatments is key to reducing the symptoms.

(References)

  • Lossos A, Siegal T. Electric shock-like sensations in 42 cancer patients: clinical characteristics and distinct etiologies. J Neurooncol. 1996 Aug;29(2):175-81. doi: 10.1007/BF00182141. PMID: 8858523.

  • Kafiabadi MJ, Biglari F, Sabaghzadeh A, Khabiri SS, Sadighi M, Ebrahimpour A. Electric shock sign after digital nerve injury; report of a case and review of literature. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2022 May;94:107156. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107156. Epub 2022 May 3. PMID: 35658312; PMCID: PMC9092984.

  • Singh A, Kaur R, Dass B, Ejaz A. Tingles, Tetany, and Electrolyte Derangements. Cureus. 2020 Apr 27;12(4):e7854. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7854. PMID: 32483505; PMCID: PMC7255070.

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