Lightning and Electrical Injury

Abstract

There are multiple types of electrical injuries, which vary according to the type of electricity (alternating current or direct current) and the mechanism of contact. Electrical injuries caused by contact with alternating current are more commonly encountered in the household setting, while direct current is found in industrial accidents. Lightning injuries are rare in the United States but are much more common in developing countries due to a lack of access to infrastructure and more agrarian economies. This review includes an overview, assessment and stabilization, diagnosis, treatment and disposition, and outcomes for each of these types of injury. This review contains 2 figures, 18 tables, and 68 references. Keywords: Lightning, electrical injury, burn, voltage, alternating current, direct current, conducted electrical weapon, TASER, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, myonecrosis, rhabdomyolysis