What are the effects of being struck by lightning?
The effects of lightning strikes range from minor to life-threatening. According to guidelines published in Annals of Emergency Medicine (2002), 90 percent of people struck by lightning survive, but they may suffer permanent after-effects and disabilities. Lightning may not leave significant evidence of external injury, but internal injury can sometimes be extensive. Strikes can result in: impaired eyesight, ear ringing, ruptured ear drums, or loss of hearing; loss of consciousness; severe electrical shock; seizures, paralysis, external burns to the skin; internal burns to organs and tissues; blunt trauma (from falls); and cardiac arrest. Long-term effects can include cataracts (should be checked 6 months after incident), sleep disturbances, memory dysfunction, headaches, irritability, fatigue, abnormal gait, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and dry eyes. What can you do for a person who has been struck by lightning? Seek immediate medical attention. A person struck by lightning may be
