lightning

Introduction

A flash of light resulting from a discharge of atmospheric electricity from one cloud to another or from cloud to earth.

Lightning deaths:

Epidemiology

• average of 67 deaths/year in USA
  • 43 deaths in 2003
  • many more are hit by lightning, but survive
• 7 deaths/year (ave) in Florida, most in USA
• summer is peak season for lightning

Clinical manifestations

• long-term, debilitating symptoms include
  • memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders numbness, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, depression
  • joint stiffness, weakness, muscle spasms, restless legs syndrome

More general terms

• electromagnetic radiation