Focal lingual dystonia, urinary incontinence, and sensory deficits secondary to low voltage electrocution: case report and literature review

Emerg Med J. 2002 Jul;19(4):368-71. doi: 10.1136/emj.19.4.368.

Abstract

Electrocution injuries are well reported in review articles and cases of high voltage electrocution injury are abundant. However, reports of low voltage electrocution injury are few. A case is presented of low voltage shock from a 120 volt AC source with presentation, acute and chronic course, and a five year follow up. The patient experienced several unusual complications of low voltage electrocution: a persistent right tongue deviation, which initially presents as an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy, but subsequently manifests as a focal lingual dystonia; total body paresthesia with urinary incontinence; and persistent sensory deficits to the face and tongue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use
  • Dystonic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Dystonic Disorders / etiology*
  • Electric Injuries / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Sensation Disorders / etiology*
  • Tongue Diseases / drug therapy
  • Tongue Diseases / etiology*
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology*

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A