News
When Lightning Strikes
Among the more bizarre and complicated forms of brain injury is electrocution, and among the most severe forms of electrocution is the lightning strike. While over a hundred people a year survive lightning strikes, very few of them emerge without some degree of impairment–not a surprise, I know, given that a lightning bolt runs about 50,000 degrees on average.
Because of the global injuries sustained by lightning strike survivors, it’s a good idea to run a comprehensive batter of neurological testing. This article excerpt from Medpage Today offers an excellent introduction to the world of TBIs due to lightning strike:
“Extensive neurocognitive or neuropsychological testing measuring memory, IQ, and organizational skills are more useful, because they may reveal specific deficit patterns common among lightning-strike survivors, according to Dr. Cooper.”
For those of us who don’t need any other misfortunes than we already have, take note of the 30-30 rule: If the interval between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter right away. And make sure to stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.
Click here to read “An Electrifying Tale of Lightning Strikes”
How would lightning strike victim be treated today?
struck by lightning May 53 in Korea during a monsoon thunder & lightning storm. I had in my hand a”handpower” phone made of of brass, my regular unit was extinguished by rain. I was standing in water up to my shins. I was unconscious for a time I am not sure of, a day or more. Am corpsman ( I am told later) gave me apc-s and I was placed in my bunker naked in a sleeping bag. Since then my memory for short and long term has been for (s–T), I forget the directions to places I have bee often. I have had a “tortuous” existence for 60+ yrs. I don’t believe the v.A really believes me, they probably believe I am “scaming” them for disability> I am willing to take any and all tests related to two incidents ( an explosion by a “friendly” fire incident that “blew” a marine to bits a few few from me, I only suffered a few wood splinters to my knees which I cleansed myself, the corpsman was much too duty. Memory problems, short & long term memory. Can still not remember any of my officers nor gunny’s names. (still screwed up”. Ed Evans. Also m y battery was involved in a “short” round which KIA 3 marines on the line. This still bothers me greatly!