ECG Mojo
ECG Mojo - May 8, 2016 - By Linas Dziukas
"We are very familiar with the term "electricity", but we do not have an in-depth understanding of its “nature” or its “workings”. However we are all aware that an “electric shock” or a "lightning bolt" can produce a range of effects that range from a minor tingle to a “jolt” to major burns to death. In this post I will discuss three cases of electrical injury that I have been associated with...
Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIR)
Final thoughts:
Electrocution is a relatively uncommon presentation to the ED. Most of the tissue damage occurs at the time of electrical injury. For practical purposes all lethal cardiac rhythms occur at the time of electrocution, although respiratory depression and prolonged muscle paralysis after lightning can cause secondary damage because of anoxia. About one in three persons who come to the ED after electrocution will have some change in their ECG tracing or their rhythm, but these changes are usually minor or reversible or both. The management of persons with significant ECG changes or rhythm abnormalities is supportive."