From the Guidelines
Electric shock from a hair dryer can be fatal, and immediate action is crucial to prevent serious injury or death, as it can cause cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, and thermal burns, as noted in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines 1. When using a hair dryer, it is essential to take precautions to prevent electric shock, such as keeping the appliance away from water, inspecting cords regularly for damage, and ensuring the bathroom has a working GFCI outlet. If a hair dryer has fallen into water, it is critical to unplug it before retrieving it to avoid any potential electrical shock. Key factors to consider in the event of an electric shock include:
- Assessing for burns, numbness, or irregular heartbeat, which require immediate medical attention
- Understanding that the severity of electric injuries can vary widely, from an unpleasant tingling sensation to thermal burns, cardiopulmonary arrest, and death, as discussed in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines 1
- Recognizing that electric shocks can disrupt the heart's normal rhythm and cause tissue damage, with severity depending on the current's path through the body and exposure duration, as explained in the context of cardiac arrest in special situations 2. In the event of an electric shock, turning off the power at its source and assessing the victim for potential injuries, such as cardiac arrhythmias or thermal burns, is vital, and all victims of electric shock require medical assessment because the extent of injury may not be apparent, as emphasized in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines 1.
From the Research
Electric Shock from a Hair Dryer: Key Considerations
- Electric shock can cause injury and death through various mechanisms, including the type of electric energy source, the amount and duration of current flow, and the parts of the body affected 3
- The primary electric injuries depend on the nature of the electric energy source, while secondary injuries can be caused by trauma associated with the electric accident, such as falls and explosions 3
Neurological Complications
- Electrical injuries can affect any system and organ, with central nervous system (CNS) complications being well-recognized and causing increased morbidity 4
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS) complications, neurourological and cognitive and psychological abnormalities are less predictable after electrical injuries 4
- CNS sequelae can include epilepsy, convulsions, abnormal involuntary movements, headache, migraine, and vertigo 5
- PNS sequelae can include disturbances of skin sensation, mononeuropathy in the arm or leg, and nerve root and plexus disorders 5
Long-term Consequences
- Neurological sequelae can present years after electrocution, with some conditions having a delayed onset of up to 5 years 5
- Electrical injuries can increase the risk of several neurological diseases and symptoms of the CNS or PNS in the years following the injury 5
- Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and examine the mechanisms underlying these associations 5