WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What are lightning injuries? Lightning injuries occur when a person gets struck by lightning. Lightning produces an electric current that can pass through your body and damage nerves and organs. What should I know about lightning? - Lightning can occur even if the sky is clear or when it is sunny.
- Lightning can strike the same place more than once.
- Lightning can easily travel through metal for long distances.
- Lightning does not always hit an object.
- Metal, such as jewelry, does not increase your risk of being hit by lightning.
How does lightning cause injuries? Lightning may hit you directly when you are in an open area or outdoors. A lightning current may also hit a tree, building, or object and then travel to you. It can also travel from person to person or from telephone wires to you. A lightning current may also travel on the ground from the site of the strike to you. The force produced by lightning can also throw you 10 yards or more. This type of injury can damage several parts of your body because of the fall. What are the signs and symptoms of lightning injuries? The signs and symptoms of lightning injuries can be mild to severe. They may last for a short time or can be permanent. - Hearing or vision loss
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
- Headache, trouble staying awake, confusion, or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle pain, weakness, stiffness, or temporary paralysis
- Skin burns
- Passing out, weak pulse, or no pulse
How are lightning injuries diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your injury and examine you. You may need one or more of the following tests: - Blood and urine tests: Samples of your blood and urine are tested for signs of organ damage.
- X-rays: Healthcare providers use x-rays to find signs of damage to your bones.
- CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray uses a computer to take pictures of your head or other parts of your body. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the pictures better. Tell healthcare providers if you are allergic to iodine or shellfish. You may also be allergic to the dye.
- MRI: This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your body. Your healthcare provider may use this test to check for damage to your brain or other parts of your body. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell healthcare providers if you are allergic to iodine or shellfish. You may also be allergic to the dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything made of metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell healthcare providers if you have any metal in or on your body.
- ECG: This is also called an EKG. An ECG is done to check for damage or problems in your heart. A short period of electrical activity in your heart is recorded.
- Blood gases: This is also called an arterial blood gas, or ABG. Blood is taken from an artery (blood vessel) in your wrist, arm, or groin. Your blood is tested for the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in it. The results can tell caregivers how well your lungs are working.
- Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
How are lightning injuries treated? - Medicines:
- Alkalinizing medicine: These medicines help decrease high amounts of acid in your blood and urine caused by muscle injury.
- Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Diuretics: These decrease swelling in your body. You may urinate more often when you take diuretics.
- Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.
- Other medicines: You may need to take medicine to treat other medical problems caused by lightning. These problems may include low blood pressure, seizures, or problems with your heart, kidneys, or muscles.
- Oxygen: You may need extra oxygen to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula, or prongs, instead of a mask. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose.
- Surgery, wound care, and other procedures: Surgery and other treatment may be needed if you have burns, wounds, or other injuries.
- Therapy: A physical therapist and an occupational therapist may exercise your arms, legs, and hands. They may also teach you new ways to do things around the house. A speech therapist may work with you to help you talk or swallow.
What should I do if I find someone with a lightning injury? Have someone call 911 right away. Check if the person is breathing. If he is not breathing, start CPR (basic life support) if you know how. What are the risks of lightning injuries? Even with treatment, you may still have long-term problems caused by lightning injury. These problems may include memory problems, vision problems, or movement problems. Without treatment, the problems caused by lightning injury may worsen or become permanent. How can lightning injuries be prevented? - When you hear thunder, seek immediate shelter in a safe place, such as a building.
- Turn off anything that uses electricity, such as computers, telephones, and radios.
- If you are in an open field, squat down and put your hands over your ears. Do not stand next to objects that are taller than you are.
- Do not touch metal objects, such as fences, bicycles, and motorcycles.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You feel dizzy and confused, or have trouble thinking clearly.
- You have a fast heartbeat and chest pain.
- You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the burned area.
- You have shortness of breath.
- Your lips or fingernails turn blue.
- Your pain does not go away, or gets worse even after you take medicine.
|