Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSignsTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Causes

Signs

Treatment

Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Electrical shock occurs when an electrical current travels through the body. Injuries from electrical shock happen when someone accidentally comes in contact with an electrical source, such as a frayed cord or a downed power line.

This article discusses the causes, signs, effects, and prevention of electrical shock.

Verywell / Julie Bang

An electric shock occurs when someone has direct contact with a high-voltage current that travels through the body.

Several things can cause an electric shock, including:

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of electrical shock can vary based on the type and amount of voltage. Some may include:

When electrical shock occurs outside, the treatment may also involve several steps to ensure the area is safe before helping the victim, such as:

At-Home Remedies

If a person or child experiences an electrical shock at home, contact your healthcare provider, pediatrician, or call 911. In some cases, shock can cause internal injuries that are visually undetectable.

A healthcare provider can assess for surface burns, mouth burns, or other internal organ injuries. If the person has severe burns, they may need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation.

Medical Care

Medical care for electrical shock will depend on the amount of voltage involved. Minor incidence of electrical shock may not require medical care.

Treatment for less severe incidences of electrical shock may include pain medication, antibiotic ointment, and dressing changes for minor burns.

Higher voltage injuries will require a higher level of care and often have poorer outcomes. Emergency medical care may require:

When to See a Doctor

The damage from an electrical shock depends on the voltage level, source, how it traveled through the body, the person’s age, and overall health.

Call 911 if a person with electrical shock has:

Best practices to prevent electrical shock in the home include:

There are several ways to prevent electrical shock outside of the house, including:

Summary

Electrical shock occurs when a high voltage current travels through the body. This usually happens when someone accidentally comes into contact with an electrical source. The aftercare may require anything from minor first aid care to treatment for internal and external burns.

It’s essential to be aware of potential electrical hazards to best prevent them from occurring. If you suspect that someone has experienced an electrical shock, call for help and ensure the voltage source is no longer a danger before helping the victim.

What Is Post Electric Shock Syndrome?

A Word From Verywell

Electrical shock is almost always accidental, as well as preventable. The resulting injuries can range from minor to severe and, in some cases, fatal. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of electrical dangers in and around your home to keep you and any small children safe. If you have any cause for concern, consider having a certified electrician visit your house or call your electrical company.

Lasting effects of electric shock may include:Burns on the skin or in the body that leave permanent scarsNerve damageCardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythms that can be fatal or cause long-term health issuesIf a person falls due to muscle contractions or seizures during electrical shock, it may cause broken bones, head injuries, or other blunt injuries.

Lasting effects of electric shock may include:

In addition to voltage, several other factors determine how much of an electrical shock the body can handle, including:

Yes, an electrical shock can be transferred from one person to another. If you suspect someone has had an electrical shock, first examine them visually but don’t touch them. If the person is still connected to the electrical source, they can pass the electrical current on to you.

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Electrical injury.Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Protect yourself from electrical hazards|natural disasters and severe weather.American Academy of Pediatrics.Electric shock injuries in children.Merck Manual Consumer Version.Electrical injuries.

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Electrical injury.Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Protect yourself from electrical hazards|natural disasters and severe weather.American Academy of Pediatrics.Electric shock injuries in children.Merck Manual Consumer Version.Electrical injuries.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. National Library of Medicine.Electrical injury.Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Protect yourself from electrical hazards|natural disasters and severe weather.American Academy of Pediatrics.Electric shock injuries in children.Merck Manual Consumer Version.Electrical injuries.

U.S. National Library of Medicine.Electrical injury.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Protect yourself from electrical hazards|natural disasters and severe weather.

American Academy of Pediatrics.Electric shock injuries in children.

Merck Manual Consumer Version.Electrical injuries.

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