The incident occurred on the afternoon of 7/9 while the woman was working in a field. Her family found her unconscious, disoriented, with singed hair and scattered belongings after a thunderstorm.
She was rushed to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Bach Mai Hospital's Neurology Center (Hanoi) in critical condition. A CT scan revealed hemorrhaging in the basal ganglia and left internal capsule – areas with small blood vessels vulnerable to high-voltage electrical currents.
Initially, doctors suspected a hypertension-induced brain hemorrhage. However, after comparing similar cases and international medical literature on lightning strike victims, the team realized the location of the brain injury perfectly matched the direct impact of a lightning strike.
Doctor Nguyen Hai Anh, who directly treated the patient, emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis in the acute phase for appropriate treatment and improved recovery. He noted the necessity of ruling out accompanying mechanical or cardiovascular injuries.
After a week of intensive care, the patient's condition significantly improved, and she gradually regained consciousness. However, her motor and neurological function recovery requires close monitoring.
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Doctors closely monitor the patient's vital signs and progress. Photo: Mai Thanh |
Doctors closely monitor the patient's vital signs and progress. Photo: Mai Thanh
Associate Professor Luong Quoc Chinh, Head of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit, stated that while brain hemorrhages from lightning strikes are uncommon, Bach Mai Hospital has treated similar cases. Victims are typically outdoor workers like farmers, construction workers, or livestock herders, especially in open areas lacking safe shelter.
Doctors advise people, particularly farmers, to avoid working outdoors during thunderstorms. When it starts to rain, they should cease all activities and seek safe shelter, away from large trees, power lines, and open areas. They should also avoid carrying or using metal objects in open areas during storms.
If someone is struck by lightning and exhibits unusual consciousness or motor function issues, they should be immediately transported to a hospital for examination and neurological assessment.
"People in rural areas often have the habit of 'just finishing up' or 'pushing through,' but sometimes that very effort can cost them their lives," said the doctor.
Le Nga
