title: Lightning injuries.
abstract: Lightning strikes may cause a constellation of injuries. Blunt head trauma, neurologic injury, and cardiac injury are common in these patients. In contrast to high-voltage electrocutions, blunt trauma after a lightning strike is common. Thorough evaluation of all organ systems is crucial. This report discusses mechanism of injury and describes initial evaluation and treatment of lightning strike victims.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Program, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Whitcomb
authors.forename: Jorge A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Dayton
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Daberkow
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015168:Lightning Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy