Transient confusion, paralysis and amnesia are likely. Coagulation of the brain, subdural hematomas or collections of blood surrounding the brain, and bleeding within the brain are possible with direct strikes. Swelling of the brain is another outcome. There may be global brain damage and neurologic devastation secondary to anoxic brain injury if respiratory arrest is not immediately treated. Possible chronic sequelae include amnesia, movement disorders, dementia and decreased reflexes.
Paraplegia can be secondary to brain or spinal cord injury from lightning strikes.
There may also be neuropsychiatric complications such as depression, anxiety, memory deficits, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dermatologic Effects Burns are another possible effect of lightning. Most lightning burn victims have first or second degree burns. Third degree or full-thickness burns are much less common but can occur associated with metal objects such as jewelry. Lighting can also produce a reddish-brown feathery skin lesion which disappears in a few days.