Electric shock is a traumatic state caused by the passage of electric current through the body.
Burns may be superficial or very deep with widespread tissue death. Severe shock may cause muscle contractions, respiratory paralysis, unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest. A high-voltage electric shock may cause a sudden muscle spasm that may throw the victim away from the power source with extreme force, resulting in further injuries, such as a fracture. Lightning causes injuries similar to those sustained from a high-voltage electric shock.