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Keraunoparalysis: Fleeting Paralysis Following a Lightning Flash
Nidhi Elizabeth Jacob1, Rashika M2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Government Medical College Mahasamund, Mahasamund, IND.
Cureus
|November 4, 2024
Summary
Lightning strikes can cause temporary neurological issues like keraunoparalysis, characterized by sudden weakness. This case highlights its transient nature, resolving within a week after ruling out other causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lightning strikes can induce diverse physiological responses, including neurological deficits.
- Keraunoparalysis is a rare, transient neurological condition following lightning exposure, presenting as temporary weakness.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with acute right-sided hemiparesis after a lightning strike.
- Initial investigations and imaging were inconclusive in determining the cause of paralysis.
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to keraunoparalysis after excluding other potential neurological deficits.
Findings:
- The hemiparesis demonstrated a benign and transient course.
- Symptomatic improvement began within 12 hours.
- Complete neurological recovery was observed within one week.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing keraunoparalysis to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
- Clinicians should consider keraunoparalysis in cases of acute neurological deficits post-lightning strike, especially after excluding other etiologies.
- Conservative management and pain relief are key in addressing keraunoparalysis.
Keywords:
benign conditioncherrington's classificationkeraunoparalysislightning striketransient paralysisMore Related Videos
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