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Lightning strike to the head: case report
S Steinbaum1, J D Harviel, J H Jaffin
1Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Journal of Trauma
|January 1, 1994
Summary
A teen athlete survived a direct lightning strike to the head, thanks to his football helmet and prompt medical care. This case highlights the protective potential of headgear during lightning incidents.
Area of Science:
- Sports medicine
- Neurology
- Emergency medicine
Background:
- Lightning strikes pose a significant risk to individuals, particularly athletes participating in outdoor sports.
- Protective headgear, such as football helmets, is designed to mitigate head trauma from physical impacts.
- The specific protective effects of headgear against direct lightning strikes are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A teen-aged athlete experienced a direct lightning strike to the head during a football activity.
- The athlete was wearing a standard football helmet at the time of the incident.
- The presence of sweat on the athlete's body was noted.
Findings:
- The football helmet, combined with the conductive properties of sweat, may have played a role in dissipating electrical energy.
- Aggressive and immediate resuscitation efforts were crucial for the athlete's survival.
- The athlete achieved a complete recovery without apparent long-term sequelae.
Implications:
- This case suggests that protective headgear might offer some degree of protection against direct lightning strikes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the physics of lightning interaction with protective equipment.
- Enhanced safety protocols for outdoor sports during thunderstorms should be considered, even with protective gear.