Central Hyperadrenergic State After Lightning Strike

Overview

Journal Clin Auton Res

Date 2013 Jun 14

PMID 23761114

Authors

Ajay K Parsaik

J Eric Ahlskog

Wolfgang Singer

Russell Gelfman

Seth H Sheldon

Richard J Seime

Jennifer M Craft

Jeffrey P Staab

Birgit Kantor

Phillip A Low

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To describe and review autonomic complications of lightning strike.

Methods: Case report and laboratory data including autonomic function tests in a subject who was struck by lightning.

Results: A 24-year-old man was struck by lightning. Following that, he developed dysautonomia, with persistent inappropriate sinus tachycardia and autonomic storms, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and functional neurologic problems.

Interpretation: The combination of persistent sinus tachycardia and episodic exacerbations associated with hypertension, diaphoresis, and agitation was highly suggestive of a central hyperadrenergic state with superimposed autonomic storms. Whether the additional PTSD and functional neurologic deficits were due to a direct effect of the lightning strike on the central nervous system or a secondary response is open to speculation.

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