Abstract
Electrical shocks commonly cause widespread acute and delayed tissue damage. Cardiac arrythmias and respiratory arrest are the most life-threatening complications in the acute phase. Prediction of outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is usually based on neurological findings compatible with anoxic encephalopathy. This report describes a case of electrocution followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although neurological signs on admission pointed towards severe brain injury, the patient fully recovered and was able to resume the level of cognitive functioning prior to the accident.
References
Kouwenhoven W (1949) Effects of electricity in the human body. Elect Eng 68: 199–215
Kouwenhoven W, Miller C, Barnes H (1966) Body currents in live line workers. Transactions on power apparatus systems. IEEE 85:1–20
Browne B, Gaasch W (1992) Electrical injuries and lightning. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2: 211–229
Winkelman H (1991) Neurological complications of thermal and electrical burns. In: Aminof MJ (ed) Neurology and general medicine. Churcill Livingstone, New York, pp 1134–1164
Baxter C (1988) Emergency treatment of burn injury. Ann Emerg Med 17: 1305–1324
Kunkle R (1988) Electrical Injuries. In: Rosen P, Baker F, Barkin R (eds) Emergency medicine. Mosby, St. Louis, pp 621–630
Baker M, Chiavello C (1989) Household electrical injuries in children: epidemiology and identification of avoidable hazards. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 143: 59–66
Suruda A, Smith L (1992) Work-related electrocutions involving portable power tools and appliances. J Occup Med 34: 887–92
Grossman A, Temperau C, Brones M, Kulber H, Pembrook L (1993) Auditory and neuropsychiatric behaviour patterns after electrical injury. J Burn Care Rehabil 14:169–175
Levy D, Caronna J, Singer B, Lapinsky R, Frydman H, Plum F (1985) Predicting outcome from hypoxic-ischemic coma. JAMA 253:1420–1426
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Veneman, T.F., van Dijk, G.W., Boereboom, F. et al. Prediction of outcome after resuscitation in a case of electrocution. Intensive Care Med 24, 255–257 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050560
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050560