injuries poisoning
Lightning Injuries
Symptoms and Signs of Lightning Injuries
The electrical charge can cause asystole or other Overview of Arrhythmias or cause symptoms of brain dysfunction, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or amnesia. Keraunoparalysisis paralysis and mottling, coldness, and pulselessness of the lower and sometimes upper extremities plus sensory deficits; the cause is likely injury to the sympathetic nervous system. Keraunoparalysis is common and usually resolves within several hours, although some degree of permanent paresis occasionally results. Other manifestations of lightning injury may include Minor skin burns in a punctate or feathered, branched pattern Tympanic membrane perforation Cataracts (within days) Neurologic problems may include confusion, cognitive deficits, and peripheral neuropathy. Neuropsychologic problems (eg, sleep disturbances, attention deficit, memory problems) may occur. Cardiopulmonary arrest at the time of the strike is the most common cause of death (see Cardiac Arrest and 1.Kim HJ, Choi SH, Shin TS, et al: Erectile dysfunction in patients with electrical injury.Urology70(6):1200-1203, 2007. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2007.06.1125 