Ann Rehabil Med.  2014 Apr;38(2):277-281.

Neurological Complication After Low-Voltage Electric Injury: A Case Report

• Kim HM
• Ko YA
• Kim JS
• Lim SH
• Hong BY

Abstract

Electrical shock can result in neurological complications, involving both peripheral and central nervous systems, which may present immediately or later on. However, delayed neurological complications caused by low-voltage electric shock are rarely reported. Here, a case of a man suffering from weakness and aphasia due to the delayed-onset of the peripheral nerve injury and ischemic stroke following an electrical shock is presented. Possible mechanisms underlying the neurological complications include thermal injury to perineural tissue, overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, vascular injury, and histological or electrophysiological changes. Moreover, vasospasms caused by low-voltage alternating current may predispose individuals to ischemic stroke. Therefore, clinicians should consider the possibility of neurological complications, even if the onset of the symptoms is delayed, and should perform diagnostic tests, such as electrophysiology or imaging, when patients present with weakness following an electric injury.

Keyword

Electric injuries; Stroke; Peripheral nerve injuries

MeSH Terms

Aphasia
Central Nervous System
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Electric Injuries*
Electrophysiology
Humans
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Shock
Stroke
Sympathetic Nervous System
Vascular System Injuries

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A, B) The T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed ischemia in left middle cerebral artery territory. (C) Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) identified marked focal stenosis in the left M1 mid-portion (white arrow) and mid-A2 (white arrowhead). (D) MRA also revealed stenosis of the proximal basilar artery (gray arrow) and the right proximal cervical internal carotid artery (white arrow).

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