Features of the Peripheral Nerve Injury in Patients with High Voltage Electrical Burn

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 22(6); 2004 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2004;22(6): 604-608.

고압전기화상 환자에서 발생한 말초신경 손상의 양상

민양기, 조수진 권기한 박환석 성영희 유경호 마효일

한림대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

Features of the Peripheral Nerve Injury in Patients with High Voltage Electrical Burn

Yang-Ki Minn

Department of Neurology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Background: The peripheral nerve is known to be vulnerable to electrical injury. However, the character and mechanism of electrical injury to the peripheral nerve is not well established in clinical conditions.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the nerve conduction study (NCS) data of patients who had high voltage electrical injury in their upper extremities.
Results: Among 16 extremities studied, nine had abnormal NCS findings. Nine of 12 extremities, whose input/output were distal to wrist, showed abnormal NCS findings. In contrast, all four extremities, whose input/output points were their forearm, had normal NCS findings. In the patients who had abnormal NCS findings, the distal portion experienced more severe damage than the proximal portion.
Conclusions: Input/output points are important factors in the electrical injury to the peripheral nerve. Joule heating seems to be a more important mechanism of electrical peripheral nerve injury.Key Words: Electrical burn, Peripheral nerve, Nerve conduction study