Dr David Khaicy¹, Ms Vanessa  Diab, Dr Jason Diab^2,3

¹Nepean Hospital, NSW, Australia, ²University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia, ²Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, Australia.

Abstract:

Background:

Electrical burns can have short- and long-term effects. The long-term sequelae of the electrical injury might be more subtle, pervasive, and less well defined, and are particularly difficult to diagnose, as the link between the injury and the symptoms can often go unrecognised.

Methods:

A literature review of review was performed to summarise the current evidence-based knowledge regarding long-term sequelae of injuries from electrical current.

Results:

The sequalae can involve psychological, neurological and physical symptoms. Often multifactorial, patients will not be satisfactorily relieved of pain after electrical injury, regardless of treatment methods used, but combining somatic and psychosocial techniques results in the most favourable outcomes. The onset of symptoms can last up to five years with vague non specific complaints. The tendency for neurological sequelae to self-resolve and the possibility of either immediate or delayed presentation. Neurologic signs typically recover over the course of days to weeks, although occasionally deficits become progressive and permanent.

Conclusion:

The challenge to pain teams is determining if the common symptoms have an organic basis.  In addition to pharmacological methods non-pharmacological procedures can play an important role and should be started early during burn patient therapy.

Biography:

David Khaicy is an anaesthetic trainee with an interest in burn care, chronic pain, and epidemiological research.