Mild Lightning Injury

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Lightning is a strong electrical (e-lek-trih-kull) charge that can pass through or over your body. You may be hurt if it hits you or something close to you. You may get burned from metal things that are on you, such as a belt buckle, zipper, or coins. You will usually feel better within hours or days after a mild lightning injury.

Signs and Symptoms: The blast of electricity (e-lek-trih-sih-t) may give you a headache or it may make you feel weak. You may feel confused and have trouble remembering things. You may have trouble seeing and hearing. Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Usually, the skin is not hurt in a mild lightning injury.

Care: Even if think you are not hurt, you should call your caregiver if you were hit by lightning. Usually no care is needed for a mild lightning injury. But you may need medicine for pain and swelling. Or, you may need care for other injuries you got after the lightning struck, such as a fall. You may need to have a tetanus shot.

Do's and Don'ts: To keep from getting hurt by lightning, stay away from metal things during a lightning storm. Stay away from wire fences, umbrellas, metal clotheslines, and golf clubs. Don't stand near trees, in a clearing, or on a hilltop during a lightning storm.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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