title: Pan-brachial plexus neuropraxia following lightning: A rare case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurological complications following lightning are rare and occur in form of temporary neurological deficits of central origin. Involvement of peripheral nervous system is extremely rare and only a few cases have been described in the literature. Isolated unilateral pan-brachial plexus neuropraxia has never been reported in the literature. Steroids have long been used for treatment of neuropraxia. However, their use in lightning neural injury is unique and requires special mention.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a rare case of lightning-induced unilateral complete flaccid paralysis along with sensory loss in a young patient. Lightning typically causes central nervous involvement in various types of motor and sensory deficit. Surprisingly, the nerve conduction study showed the involvement of peripheral nervous system involvement. Steroids were administered and there was significant improvement in neurological functions within a short span of days. Patients' functions in the affected limb were normal in one month.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our case was interesting since it is the first such case in the literature where lightning has caused such a rare instance of unilateral pan-brachial plexus lesion. Such cases when seen, raises the possibility of more common central nervous system pathology rather than peripheral involvement. However, such lesions can be purely benign forms of peripheral nerve neuropraxia, which can be managed by steroid treatment without leaving any long-term neurological deficits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Emergency, All India Institute of Medical Science, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
authors.forename: Ashis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patnaik
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Science, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
authors.forename: Ashok Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mahapatra
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Science, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
authors.forename: Menka
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jha
keywords: Good recovery; lightning injury; neuropraxia; pan-brachial plexus