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Case Reports
. 2013 Aug;23(4):169-73.
doi: 10.1007/s10286-013-0197-7. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Central hyperadrenergic state after lightning strike

Ajay K Parsaik  1 , J Eric Ahlskog, Wolfgang Singer, Russell Gelfman, Seth H Sheldon, Richard J Seime, Jennifer M Craft, Jeffrey P Staab, Birgit Kantor, Phillip A Low
Affiliations
Case Reports

Central hyperadrenergic state after lightning strike

Ajay K Parsaik et al. Clin Auton Res. 2013 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To describe and review autonomic complications of lightning strike.

Methods: Case report and laboratory data including autonomic function tests in a subject who was struck by lightning.

Results: A 24-year-old man was struck by lightning. Following that, he developed dysautonomia, with persistent inappropriate sinus tachycardia and autonomic storms, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and functional neurologic problems.

Interpretation: The combination of persistent sinus tachycardia and episodic exacerbations associated with hypertension, diaphoresis, and agitation was highly suggestive of a central hyperadrenergic state with superimposed autonomic storms. Whether the additional PTSD and functional neurologic deficits were due to a direct effect of the lightning strike on the central nervous system or a secondary response is open to speculation.

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