Application of Brain Computerized Tomography to High Voltage Electrical Burns.
- Author:
Keun Hong PARK
1
;
Kwang Pil LIM
;
Ki Cheul NOH
;
Jun Hyung LEE
;
Hyo Yong AHN
;
Hyun Chul KIM
;
Chang Hae PYO
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanil Hospital, Seoul, Korea. oceanpyo@empal.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Brain CT;
High voltage electrical injury
- MeSH:
Brain;
Burns;
Central Nervous System;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Retrospective Studies;
Triage;
Unconsciousness
- From:Journal of Korean Burn Society
2009;12(1):49-52
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: High voltage electrical injuries can cause many complications of central nervous system. We tried to define the indication range of brain CT (computerized tomography) in high voltage electrical injuries. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 51 high voltage electrical injured patients who were confirmed by brain CT, they had visited our emergency department from January 2005 to December 2007. All patients were classified by brain CT findings, presences of combined injuries and neurologic symptoms. RESULTS: 48 patients were confirmed normal in brain CT findings. 3 patients had brain lesions that were associated with secondary trauma. There was no abnormal CT finding in the 23 patients who did not have loss of consciousness, falling and combined injuries. CONCLUSION: If patient with electrical injury did not have neurologic symptoms or sufficient mechanical force, brain CT is not recommended. The results of this study may help emergency physicians to avoid unnecessary brain CT examination in the emergency triage to a high voltage electrical injury patients.
