Getting hit by lightning can cause a range of injuries, from mild burns to death, depending on how close the person is to the lightning strike and how exposed they were. Here are some of the possible effects of being struck by lightning:

• Cardiac arrest: Lightning can cause cardiac arrest, which stops the body from circulating blood and can lead to death.

• Brain and nervous system injury: Lightning can cause direct injury to the brain and nervous system, preventing the brain from being able to send the appropriate signals to tell the body to continue breathing. It can also cause a brain hemorrhage or stroke.

• Tissue injuries and deep thermal burns: Lightning can cause tissue injuries and deep thermal burns within the body, with tissue near bones suffering the worst damage.

• Ruptured eardrums: Thunderous sound waves created by nearby lightning strikes can cause ruptured eardrums.

• Movement disorders and lifelong neurological damage: Survivors of lightning strikes may suffer from movement disorders and lifelong neurological damage, cataracts, injuries to their optic nerves and other eye injuries, and damage to the inner ear that can lead to vertigo, tinnitus, paralysis of facial nerves, and deafness.

• Muscle pains, broken bones, and burns: Lightning can cause muscle pains, broken bones, burns, and other physical injuries.

• Keraunoparalysis: Strikes often result in keraunoparalysis, a temporary paralysis of the lower limbs that takes a few hours to go away.

Immediate medical attention, including calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED, may be critically important to keep the person alive until more advanced medical care arrives. It is important to remain aware of the weather to decrease the chances of being struck by lightning.