Cognition and mental wellbeing after electrical accidents: a survey and a clinical study among Swedish male electricians

Sara Thomée,Lisa Rådman,Kai Österberg,Kristina Jakobsson

doi:10.1007/s00420-020-01520-x

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose was to examine long-term consequences of exposure to electrical current passing through the body. We investigated (1) whether electricians after having experienced an electrical accident report more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing and (2) have objectively verifiable reduced cognitive function; and (3) which circumstances at the time of the accident affect long-term subjective cognitive function and mental wellbeing?MethodsA survey of male electricians who had experienced electrical accidents (n = 510) and a clinical study in a subsample (n = 23) who reported residual health problems was carried out. Both groups were examined regarding subjective cognitive function (Euroquest-9) and mental wellbeing (Symptom Checklist-90 subscales). The clinical study included neuropsychological tests of memory, attention, spatial function, and premorbid intellectual capacity. A matched control group was retrieved from reference data.ResultsThe survey participants reported more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing than referents. Of the examined circumstances, having experienced mortal fear at the time of the accident and health complaints, especially mental symptoms, for > 1 week after the accident were the most significant risk factors for later subjective cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing. The only statistically significant difference in neuropsychological tests was better performance in part of the memory tests by the clinical study group compared to the control group.ConclusionsThe participants reported more cognitive problems and lower mental wellbeing than referents, but no long-term objective cognitive dysfunction was detected. Emotional response at the time of the accident and health complaints in the aftermath of the accident may constitute important indications for medical and psychological follow-ups.

Highlights

Electrical accidents involving electrical current passing through the body have been reported to generate long-term physical consequences in terms of pain and neurological symptoms, such as numbness and sensory disorders, and, for example, hearing loss
The aim of this study was to examine whether exposure to electrical current passing through the body has long-term consequences for cognition and mental wellbeing
The study consisted of two parts: a survey study of 510 male electricians who had experienced at least one incident involving electrical current passing through the body, and a clinical study with neuropsychological tests in a subgroup of 23 electricians who had reported residual health complaints after an electrical accident

Summary

Introduction

Electrical accidents involving electrical current passing through the body have been reported to generate long-term physical consequences in terms of pain and neurological symptoms, such as numbness and sensory disorders, and, for example, hearing loss Long-term cognitive and psychiatric disorders after electrical injury (EI) have been reported (Bailey et al 2008; Barrash et al 1996; Duff and McCaffrey 2001; Piotrowski et al 2014; Pliskin et al 1998, 2006; Ramati et al 2009; Singerman et al 2008), predominantly in patient populations. Primeau et al (1995) and Barrash et al (1996) point out that the cognitive complaints after EI resemble those in mild to moderate traumatic brain injury It seems that the level of problems after EI can be hard to predict (Andrews 2012; Primeau et al 1995) and EI symptoms may occur or worsen after a delay (Bailey et al 2008). In the previously mentioned study by Pliskin et al (1998), the self-reported cognitive symptoms were more pronounced in the post-acute phase than in the acute phase after the accident

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