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”
