Lightning Injury Caused by a Side Flash

Kei Jitsuiki¹, Ken-ichi Muramatsu¹, Shin-ichi Shoda¹ and Youichi Yanagawa^1,

¹Department of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Shizuoka Hospital, Juntendo University

Cite this paper:
Kei Jitsuiki, Ken-ichi Muramatsu, Shin-ichi Shoda and Youichi Yanagawa. Lightning Injury Caused by a Side Flash. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2020; 8(12):538-540. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-8-12-29

Abstract

A 29-year-old male soldier, who was taking part in a military field training exercise during summer, lost consciousness and fell backwards while sheltering at the foot of a tree that was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Upon arrival, his vital signs were stable. He had a linear burn at the right brachium with headache. Electrocardiography, cardiac ultrasound and whole body computed tomography revealed no specific findings. Blood biochemistry revealed rhabdomyolysis. The post-admission course was uneventful. This is a rare report of a patient who received a side flash from a tree during a lightning strike. Service members who routinely train and work outdoors should be vigilant in relation to the dangers of lightning.

Keywords:
lightning injury side flash headache

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