Citation

Milzman DP, Moskowitz L, Hardel M. South. Med. J. 1999; 92(7): 708-710.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, Providence Hospital, Washington, DC 20017, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10414480

Abstract

Among natural disasters, lightning is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. A well-informed bystander and an astute physician can make the difference between an outcome of death or lifelong disability versus complete or near-complete recovery. What is done in the first few minutes after such an event is the predominant predictor of success. This case report describes a young woman who was struck by lightning while talking on a cellular telephone at a mass gathering in an outdoor stadium. The discussion that follows the case centers on the pathophysiology of being struck by lightning and on issues unique to being struck in a stadium full of people.

Language: en