Physical Reactions to Electrical Shock

An electrical shock can result in a number of different injuries. These include burns, nerve damage, and irregular heart rhythm.

Burns can occur anywhere along the path of the electrical current. The heat of the current can damage both external and internal tissue. The burns can leave permanently damaged tissues, which can later lead to chronic, long-term pain.

The human nervous system directs both involuntary and voluntary actions across a wide range of important functions. When an individual experiences electrical shock, the nervous system can be permanently damaged, leading to memory and physical impairments.

An electrical current can interfere with the regular beating action of the heart; blood will not be properly circulated through the body. If the heart does not beat regularly or stops beating altogether, the result most often leads to death.

Electrocution (death from electrical shock), occurs when the amount of current flowing through an individual's body is great enough to stop the heart. The path of the current is also important. If the current passes through either the heart or the brain, the electrical shock will most likely be fatal.

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