Prognosis

Mortality is highest in lightning strikes (17.6%) compared with high voltage (5.3%) and low voltage electrical injuries (2.8%).[45] Fatal arrhythmias usually occur immediately. The presence of anoxic encephalopathy determines long-term neurologic sequelae. The extent of secondary injuries, especially burns, affects prognosis.[2] One study found that 24 months post-injury, patients with electrical burns had significantly lower Physical Health Composite Scale scores compared with patients with burns caused by fire/flame.[46]

A normal ECG seems to predict absence of late arrhythmias.[47]

Long-term follow-up is important. Delayed neurologic and psychiatric complications may occur, particularly after high voltage injuries in which conduction has passed through the central nervous system.[19]​​[45]

Because most people injured by electricity are young and healthy, they tend to do well.[2]

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