Lightning is a massive unidirectional current that depends of an electron gradient; this electric flow travels from one cloud to another or to the ground. Electric trauma generally is not lethal, however, it is associated to several complications. Sequelae are determined both by the current strength and by the duration of the exposure. Lightning damage occurs by different mechanisms: direct strike, contact injury, side splash, ground current, and blunt trauma. Atmospheric electricity causes different skin lesions such as linear, punctate, thermal, and plumage burns. Lichtenberg figures are pathognomonic for lightning. Besides the effect on the integumentary system, respiratory, gastrointestinal, ocular, auditory, cardiovascular, and neurological injuries are documented as well. When lightning causes death, it usually happens in open places without witnesses. An exhaustive study of the cadaver and the setting of the event should be accomplished in order to exclude natural or violent causes of death. In Costa Rica in 2011, there were seven deaths related to lightning; young adults predominated and most took place in rural areas, being direct strike the main mechanism of damage.

Lightning injuries; lightning strike; physiopathology; free radicals; electric burns