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ENVIRONMENTAL


LIGHTNING

PromptLightning vs High voltage
Response
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PromptTypes of lightning strike
ResponseDirect - victim struck directly
Side flash - Nearby object struc and current traverses the air to hit victim/s
Contact strike - Lightning hits object person is holding, current then transmitted to ground via victim (eg: indoor telephone)
Ground current - Lightning hits the ground and is transferred through the ground to nearby victim. Current enters foot closer to strike and extits through more distal foot (โ€œstep voltageโ€)
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PromptClinical features of lightning strike
ResponseAsystolic arrest - massive depolarisation. May recover if secondary hypoxic arrest prevented
Keraunoparalysis - Lightning induced (usually lower limb) paralysis with vascular spasm, flaccidity, and loss of sensation. Impalpable peripherle pulses with blue, mottled limb. Usually self limiting.
Lictenberg Figures- Feathery cutaneous burns

Neurologic deficits - Temporary extremity paralysis, LOC, confusion, amnesia.
Burns
Cataracts, delayed
TM rupture (50%)
Posterior shoulder dislocations
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Prompt
ResponseLichtenberg figures (ferning/feathring) = Pathognomonic for lightning strike!
Burns from belt buckle
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PromptDelayed complications
ResponseEye complications, especially cataracts
Delayed less common - parkinsonism, seizures, ataxia
Burns
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PromptInvestigations
ResponseCTB ? CNS injury
ECG ? arrhythmia
CK ? rhabdo
EUC ? potassium
Urine dip ? Myoglobinuria
Troponin ? AMI, nerve conduction studies, audiometry
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