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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Could Cause an Electric Sensation Throughout the Body and How Is It Managed?

An electric sensation throughout your body might be due to nerve irritation or damage, like in diabetic neuropathy or Lhermitte's sign, and it's managed through treatments that target the underlying nerve issues.

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Explanation

When you feel an electric shock-like sensation running through your body, it can be a sign that your nerves are affected. In conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, high blood sugar can damage nerves, causing these shock-like feelings. Alternatively, Lhermitte's sign, which may be seen in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, occurs when pressure or movement in the neck sends a shock-like signal down the spine. These sensations are examples of neuropathic pain, where the nerves send abnormal signals due to irritation or damage. Management of this kind of pain depends on the cause. Doctors may recommend medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or other drugs that target nerve pain. For diabetic neuropathy, controlling your blood sugar is crucial. Sometimes, physical therapy and lifestyle changes like stress reduction and avoidance of alcohol can also help calm the nerves. If you experience these electric sensations frequently or if they worsen, it is important to see your doctor so they can evaluate your condition, identify the underlying cause, and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

(References)

  • Bodman MA, Dreyer MA, Varacallo MA. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. [Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Teoli D, Rocha Cabrero F, Smith T, et al. Lhermitte Sign. [Updated 2023 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Doneddu PE, Pensato U, Iorfida A, Alberti C, Nobile-Orazio E, Fabbri A, Voza A; Study and Research Center of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU). Neuropathic Pain in the Emergency Setting: Diagnosis and Management. J Clin Med. 2023 Sep 18;12(18):6028. doi: 10.3390/jcm12186028. PMID: 37762968; PMCID: PMC10531819.

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