[Neurological symptoms following lightening strike]

Abstract

A 56-year-old man was referred to the neurological outpatients' department suffering from problems with walking and painful, burning feet after having been struck by lightning 6 months previously. He also experienced orthostatic symptoms and episodes of 'flushing' and was unable to tolerate contact with clothing or bed sheets on his lower legs or feet. After excluding other possible causes, the patient was diagnosed with 'polyneuropathy due to lightning strike'. Gabapentine had a favourable effect on the sensory symptoms. Lightening strikes are a rare cause of polyneuropathy.