Affiliations: [a] The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA | [b] Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA
Correspondence:
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Note: [1] Portions of this paper were previously presented in 1997 at The 105th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract: The neurobehavioral sequelae of electrical injuries (EI) are relatively misunderstood and patients present with diverse symptom patterns. Traditionally, emphasis has been directed toward treating the physical consequences of these injuries, while failing to address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disturbances that follow. This often results in significant disruptions to a patient's vocational life and psychosocial well-being. The present paper will compare and contrast the general effects of trauma and the specific effects of electrical injury; look at the “obvious versus subtle” distinction; return to work issues; the psychologic impact of the injury; and some challenges and recommendations for treating the resultant cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disturbances in these patients.
