Citation

Aysegul AS, Betul O, Ayse SG, Zeki O. Ideggyogy. Sz. 2024; 77(3-4): 137-139.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Kiadja Es Terjeszti A Literatura Medica)

DOI

10.18071/isz.77.0137

PMID

38591923

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries after being struck by lightning have been documented. Here, we report a case of cauda equina syndrome induced by lightning. A 27-year-old man presented with numbness, a burning sensation in the saddle region, and increased urinary urgency after being struck by lightning. He had absent Achilles reflexes and paresthesia in the saddle region upon neurological examination, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was normal. Electrophysiological studies indicated involvement of bilateral L5, S1, and S2 myotomes and revealed cauda equina lesions. 
Peripheral nerve injury induced by lightning is rare, and the evaluation of people with neurological complaints using electromyography will help determine the true incidence.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Male; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; *Cauda Equina Syndrome/etiology/pathology; *Cauda Equina/diagnostic imaging/pathology; *Lightning Injuries/complications/pathology; cauda equina; Electromyography; lightning strike; nerve conduction study; peripheral nerve injury; somatosensory evoked potential