Abstract
The growing dependence on electricity in our daily lives has increased the incidence of electrocution injuries. Although several neurological injuries have been described previously, acute stroke due to electrocution is rare. Our patient, a previously healthy man, was electrocuted after he grabbed a “live” high-voltage wire. Although he was hemodynamically stable, he remained confused with language defects. MRI of the brain showed acute stroke in the bilateral anterior cerebral artery territory and watershed regions of the left middle cerebral artery territory. MR angiogram incidentally showed A1 segment aplasia of the right anterior cerebral artery. Electrocution is known to cause vasospasm leading to end-organ damage similar to that seen in stroke. In our patient, vasospasm of the left anterior circulation likely led to watershed infarcts in the left parietal lobe and bilateral frontal lobes. Due to aplasia of the A1 segment on the right side, perfusion to both frontal lobes was solely from the left anterior cerebral artery.
Highlights
Electricity played a crucial role in building modern civilization, and humans have paid the price for it
Even though several neurological injuries have been described before, acute stroke due to electrocution is only reported in a handful of cases
We present a case of acute stroke due to electrocution along with a review of the literature to increase awareness of this rare condition among medical professionals
Summary
Electricity played a crucial role in building modern civilization, and humans have paid the price for it. Despite improvements in overall safety measures, this number is likely to increase as we depend more on electricity in every aspect of our lives. The severity of injury depends on the type and strength of current and ranges from a barely perceptible tingling sensation to instant death. Even though several neurological injuries have been described before, acute stroke due to electrocution is only reported in a handful of cases. This underreporting might be due to uncommon occurrence or under recognition. We present a case of acute stroke due to electrocution along with a review of the literature to increase awareness of this rare condition among medical professionals. The early diagnosis and treatment of this condition will have therapeutic implications
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