Lightning Strike (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Medical Treatment
In general, if you have no symptoms and a normal ECG, you may be sent home with a referral to any specialists if needed.
The doctor will treat those injuries that are discovered on the physical examination.
- Head injury indicated by a loss of consciousness and or confusion is frequently treated by observation in the hospital.
- Possible injury to the heart that shows up on an abnormal ECG or in blood enzyme levels is usually managed in the hospital by observation and medicine if needed.
- Ear and eye injuries are treated as needed with referral to an appropriate specialist.
- Keraunoparalysis is usually temporary but may require observation in the hospital.
- Spine injuries usually require hospitalization for observation or surgical stabilization.
- Broken bones may be treated with splinting or may require surgery.
- Symptoms of nerve injury (numbness, tingling) can generally be monitored by a neurologist.
Next: Next Steps »
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Lightning Injuries »
Over the last century, records for environmental injuries and mortality indicate that lightning has consistently been one of the top 3 environment-related causes of death and the second most common storm-related cause of death, exceeded only by flash floods.
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