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Complications

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In addition to respiratory arrest and ventricular fibrillation, an electric shock travels along nerves and blood vessels, causing burns which are often full thickness, extend to bone, may require debridement, escharotomy, fasciotomy or amputation. Superficially the burn may appear small.

 

The development of abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to an electrical injury can be catastrophic (1)

 

Lightning paralysis is a reversible, transient paralysis that is associated with sensory disturbances and peripheral vasoconstriction in lightning victims (2)

 

References

  1. Marques EG, Júnior GA, Neto BF, et al. Visceral injury in electrical shock trauma: proposed guideline for the management of abdominal electrocution and literature review. Int J Burns Trauma. 2014 Feb 22;4(1):1-6.
  2. ten Duis HJ, Klasen HJ, Reenalda PE. Keraunoparalysis, a 'specific' lightning injury. Burns Incl Therm Inj. 1985;12:54-57.

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