Why do some people feel electric shocks? Is it because of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Have you ever felt that you suddenly just lightly touch someone and suddenly get a mild electric shock? The shock isn't painful, but it is uncomfortable enough for you to retract your hands away from that person. But why do some people experience these, while others don't? One possible reason is a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Let’s dig deeper...

What are these sensations?
These shocks, though technically not electric, are sudden, brief feelings of sharp, tingling, or burning pain. Those who get it, often describe it as a small jolt of electricity running through their body. These sensations can take place suddenly, or after certain movements, and can occur multiple times in a day, usually occurring for a few seconds, though they might be longer.

Usually, these sensations signal a problem with your nerves. Nerves send signals between your brain and body, and when they get damaged or irritated, they can send unusual signals, like electric shocks.

Possible causes

There are many reasons why someone might feel electric shocks, including:

Nerve damage: Conditions like sciatica or pinched nerves, can be responsible for these electric shocks, and that too sudden.

Injuries: Physical injuries to the spine or nerves.

Vitamin deficiencies: These can be varied, but Vitamin B12 deficiency is said to be a big reason.


Chronic conditions: These include Diabetes, infections, or even side effects of some medicines.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): A neurological progressive disease that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

Let's explore how Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause those 'electric shocks'

The importance of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. It is essential for many body functions, including:

Making new red blood cells.

Keeping the nervous system healthy and functioning properly

Helping DNA production.

Supporting brain function.

Without enough Vitamin B12, the body is unable to make healthy nerve cells. This can lead to nerve damage and symptoms like electric shock sensations.

Exploring the link between B12 Deficiency and electric shocks
Like explained above, when you don’t get enough Vitamin B12, your nerves may become damaged or stop working properly. This condition is called neuropathy. Damaged nerves can sometimes send wrong signals to the brain, which may feel like tingling, numbness, or electric shocks.

One specific condition linked to B12 deficiency is called Lhermitte’s sign. It is a sudden electric shock feeling that runs down the spine and limbs, that occurs while bending the neck forward. This happens when the protective covering of nerves (myelin) is damaged due to lack of Vitamin B12.


Who is at risk?
While anyone can be Vitamin B12 deficient, it can be more common in
Vegetarians (since B12 is mostly in animal foods).
Older adults (because as we age, our bodies absorb B12 less efficiently).
People with digestive issues like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
Those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery.
Those taking medications that affect B12 absorption.

What should you do?
If you experience electric shock sensations, especially along with numbness, weakness, or balance problems, check in with a doctor. He/she may perform nerve tests if needed and check your B12 levels.

Vitamin B12 treatment includes both supplements or injections. With early treatment, nerve damage can improve, and electric shock sensations may go away.

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