Abstract

ABSTRACT: Among natural disasters, lightning is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. A well-informed bystander and an astute physician can make the difference between an outcome of death or lifelong disability versus complete or nearcomplete recovery. What is done in the first few minutes after such an event is the predominant predictor of success. This case report describes a young woman who was struck by lightning while talking on a cellular telephone at a mass gathering in an outdoor stadium. The discussion that follows the case centers on the pathophysiology of being struck by lightning and on issues unique to being struck in a stadium full of people.