Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: 
A Case Report and Review of Literature

Marcellin Bugeme Baguma; Halladain Mpung Mansoj; Franck Omangelo Shongo; Sarah Numbi Kilumba; Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Marcellin Bugeme Baguma^*

, Halladain Mpung Mansoj

, Franck Omangelo Shongo

, Sarah Numbi Kilumba

, Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba

Published in International Journal of Medical Case Reports (Volume 4, Issue 4)

Received: 14 October 2025 Accepted: 30 October 2025 Published: 30 December 2025

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Abstract

This report presents a case of a 41-year-old male who sustained an accidental electrocution while handling a bare electrical cable with his right index finger. The electrical current passed from the upper limb to the neck, resulting in severe neuralgia and paresis of the right brachial plexus. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) performed six weeks after the incident revealed involvement of the lower primary trunk of the right brachial plexus, characterized by absent sensory potentials in the ulnar and internal brachiocutaneous nerves and reduced motor potentials in the ulnar and median nerves. The patient exhibited decreased osteotendinous reflexes and motor weakness in the affected limb, accompanied by paroxysmal pain radiating from the shoulder to the wrist. Treatment comprised gabapentin for neuropathic pain, ketoprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. After one month, the patient showed complete motor recovery and significant pain relief. Unfortunately, MRI of the brachial plexus was not performed due to financial constraints. This case underlines the rarity of unilateral brachial plexopathy following electrocution, a condition infrequently reported in medical literature, especially in the African context. The pathophysiological mechanisms include thermal injury, electroporation, and ischemic nerve damage. Early electrophysiological assessment and tailored rehabilitation are crucial to optimize neurological recovery and prevent chronic sequelae. The report highlights the need for increased awareness and specialized management of peripheral nerve injuries secondary to electrical accidents to improve functional outcomes.

Published in	International Journal of Medical Case Reports (Volume 4, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
Page(s)	85-91
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Brachial Plexopathy, Electrocution, Peripheral Neuropathy, Physiotherapy, Functional Recovery

References

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[2]	Badetti C. Muscle relaxants and burns: from pathophysiology to clinical use. Burns SFETB News. 1996; 13-22.
[3]	Gastine H, Mathé D, Gay R. Electrification: Current data and management. Rev Prat. 1983; 33: 229-36.
[4]	Chaibdraa A, Medjellekh MS, Bentakouk MC. Electrification - Electrocution. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2009; 22 (1): 22-32.
[5]	Niquille M, Grosgurin O, Marti C. Electrocution accidents. Rev Med Suisse. 2011; 7: 1569-1573.
[6]	Chaibdraa, A., Saouli, A., BenTakouk, mc Electrocution accident and injuries cerebral. Journal of Neurosurgery. 2005; 1, 32.
[7]	Haberkern, MML, & Martinolli, L. Emergency management in electrical accidents. In Forum Med Suisse 2007; 7: 649-54.
[8]	Baskerville, JR, & McAninch, SA Focal lingual dystonia, urinary incontinence, and sensory deficits secondary to low voltage electrocution: case report and literature review. Emergency medicine journal. 2002; 19(4): 368-371.
[9]	Scholz, V. Rippmann, L. Wojtecki, W. Perbix, MA Rothschild, G. Spilker. Severe Brain Damage by Current Flow After Electrical Burn Injury. Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2006; 27: 917–922.
[10]	Theodorou. P, Limmroth. V, Perbix. W, Gerbershagen. M, Knam. F and Spilker. G Guillain-Barré syndrome after lightning strike. Burns. 2008; 34(5): 722-726.
[11]	Perdrizet, O. and Zuber, M. Neurological damage linked to lightning strikes. Encyclopedia of Medicine and Surgery and Neurology. 1999; 17.
[12]	Solem, L., Fischer, RP, Strate, RG. The natural history of electrical injury. The Journal of trauma. 1977; 17(7), 487-492.
[13]	Suematsu, N. Tubulation for peripheral nerve gap: its history and possibility. Microsurgery. 1989; 10(1): 71-74.
[14]	Reinhard, PG, & Flocard, H. Nuclear effective forces and isotope shifts. Nuclear Physics. 1995; 584(3): 467-488.
[15]	Ferrante, MA, & Wilbourn, AJ The utility of various sensory nerve conduction responses in assessing brachial plexopathies. Muscle & Nerve: Official Journal of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. 1995; 18(8): 879-889.
[16]	Bugeme, M., & Mukuku, O. Neuropsychiatric manifestations revealing cerebromeningeal hemorrhage caused by an electric shock accident: a case report and review of the literature. The Pan African Medical Journal. 2014; 18.
[17]	Gueugniaud PY, Vaudelin G, Bertin-Maghit M, Petit P. Electrocution accidents. Update conferences. 1997; 479-97.

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APA Style

Baguma, M. B., Mansoj, H. M., Shongo, F. O., Kilumba, S. N., Muyumba, E. K. (2025). Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. International Journal of Medical Case Reports, 4(4), 85-91. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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ACS Style

Baguma, M. B.; Mansoj, H. M.; Shongo, F. O.; Kilumba, S. N.; Muyumba, E. K. Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int. J. Med. Case Rep. 2025, 4(4), 85-91. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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AMA Style

Baguma MB, Mansoj HM, Shongo FO, Kilumba SN, Muyumba EK. Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Med Case Rep. 2025;4(4):85-91. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16,
  author = {Marcellin Bugeme Baguma and Halladain Mpung Mansoj and Franck Omangelo Shongo and Sarah Numbi Kilumba and Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba},
  title = {Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: 
A Case Report and Review of Literature},
  journal = {International Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume = {4},
  number = {4},
  pages = {85-91},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  abstract = {This report presents a case of a 41-year-old male who sustained an accidental electrocution while handling a bare electrical cable with his right index finger. The electrical current passed from the upper limb to the neck, resulting in severe neuralgia and paresis of the right brachial plexus. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) performed six weeks after the incident revealed involvement of the lower primary trunk of the right brachial plexus, characterized by absent sensory potentials in the ulnar and internal brachiocutaneous nerves and reduced motor potentials in the ulnar and median nerves. The patient exhibited decreased osteotendinous reflexes and motor weakness in the affected limb, accompanied by paroxysmal pain radiating from the shoulder to the wrist. Treatment comprised gabapentin for neuropathic pain, ketoprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. After one month, the patient showed complete motor recovery and significant pain relief. Unfortunately, MRI of the brachial plexus was not performed due to financial constraints. This case underlines the rarity of unilateral brachial plexopathy following electrocution, a condition infrequently reported in medical literature, especially in the African context. The pathophysiological mechanisms include thermal injury, electroporation, and ischemic nerve damage. Early electrophysiological assessment and tailored rehabilitation are crucial to optimize neurological recovery and prevent chronic sequelae. The report highlights the need for increased awareness and specialized management of peripheral nerve injuries secondary to electrical accidents to improve functional outcomes.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: 
A Case Report and Review of Literature
AU  - Marcellin Bugeme Baguma
AU  - Halladain Mpung Mansoj
AU  - Franck Omangelo Shongo
AU  - Sarah Numbi Kilumba
AU  - Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba
Y1  - 2025/12/30
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
T2  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
JF  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
JO  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
SP  - 85
EP  - 91
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7049
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
AB  - This report presents a case of a 41-year-old male who sustained an accidental electrocution while handling a bare electrical cable with his right index finger. The electrical current passed from the upper limb to the neck, resulting in severe neuralgia and paresis of the right brachial plexus. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) performed six weeks after the incident revealed involvement of the lower primary trunk of the right brachial plexus, characterized by absent sensory potentials in the ulnar and internal brachiocutaneous nerves and reduced motor potentials in the ulnar and median nerves. The patient exhibited decreased osteotendinous reflexes and motor weakness in the affected limb, accompanied by paroxysmal pain radiating from the shoulder to the wrist. Treatment comprised gabapentin for neuropathic pain, ketoprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. After one month, the patient showed complete motor recovery and significant pain relief. Unfortunately, MRI of the brachial plexus was not performed due to financial constraints. This case underlines the rarity of unilateral brachial plexopathy following electrocution, a condition infrequently reported in medical literature, especially in the African context. The pathophysiological mechanisms include thermal injury, electroporation, and ischemic nerve damage. Early electrophysiological assessment and tailored rehabilitation are crucial to optimize neurological recovery and prevent chronic sequelae. The report highlights the need for increased awareness and specialized management of peripheral nerve injuries secondary to electrical accidents to improve functional outcomes.
VL  - 4
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Marcellin Bugeme Baguma

Neurology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0158-0137
Halladain Mpung Mansoj

Neurology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6124-9932
Franck Omangelo Shongo

Neurology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6222-6078
Sarah Numbi Kilumba

Neurology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3287-9497
Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba

Neurology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8853-6157

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Baguma, M. B., Mansoj, H. M., Shongo, F. O., Kilumba, S. N., Muyumba, E. K. (2025). Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. International Journal of Medical Case Reports, 4(4), 85-91. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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ACS Style

Baguma, M. B.; Mansoj, H. M.; Shongo, F. O.; Kilumba, S. N.; Muyumba, E. K. Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int. J. Med. Case Rep. 2025, 4(4), 85-91. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

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AMA Style

Baguma MB, Mansoj HM, Shongo FO, Kilumba SN, Muyumba EK. Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Med Case Rep. 2025;4(4):85-91. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16,
  author = {Marcellin Bugeme Baguma and Halladain Mpung Mansoj and Franck Omangelo Shongo and Sarah Numbi Kilumba and Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba},
  title = {Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: 
A Case Report and Review of Literature},
  journal = {International Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume = {4},
  number = {4},
  pages = {85-91},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmcr.20250404.16},
  abstract = {This report presents a case of a 41-year-old male who sustained an accidental electrocution while handling a bare electrical cable with his right index finger. The electrical current passed from the upper limb to the neck, resulting in severe neuralgia and paresis of the right brachial plexus. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) performed six weeks after the incident revealed involvement of the lower primary trunk of the right brachial plexus, characterized by absent sensory potentials in the ulnar and internal brachiocutaneous nerves and reduced motor potentials in the ulnar and median nerves. The patient exhibited decreased osteotendinous reflexes and motor weakness in the affected limb, accompanied by paroxysmal pain radiating from the shoulder to the wrist. Treatment comprised gabapentin for neuropathic pain, ketoprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. After one month, the patient showed complete motor recovery and significant pain relief. Unfortunately, MRI of the brachial plexus was not performed due to financial constraints. This case underlines the rarity of unilateral brachial plexopathy following electrocution, a condition infrequently reported in medical literature, especially in the African context. The pathophysiological mechanisms include thermal injury, electroporation, and ischemic nerve damage. Early electrophysiological assessment and tailored rehabilitation are crucial to optimize neurological recovery and prevent chronic sequelae. The report highlights the need for increased awareness and specialized management of peripheral nerve injuries secondary to electrical accidents to improve functional outcomes.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Brachial Plexopathy Following an Electrocution Accident: 
A Case Report and Review of Literature
AU  - Marcellin Bugeme Baguma
AU  - Halladain Mpung Mansoj
AU  - Franck Omangelo Shongo
AU  - Sarah Numbi Kilumba
AU  - Emmanuel Kiyana Muyumba
Y1  - 2025/12/30
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
T2  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
JF  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
JO  - International Journal of Medical Case Reports
SP  - 85
EP  - 91
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7049
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmcr.20250404.16
AB  - This report presents a case of a 41-year-old male who sustained an accidental electrocution while handling a bare electrical cable with his right index finger. The electrical current passed from the upper limb to the neck, resulting in severe neuralgia and paresis of the right brachial plexus. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) performed six weeks after the incident revealed involvement of the lower primary trunk of the right brachial plexus, characterized by absent sensory potentials in the ulnar and internal brachiocutaneous nerves and reduced motor potentials in the ulnar and median nerves. The patient exhibited decreased osteotendinous reflexes and motor weakness in the affected limb, accompanied by paroxysmal pain radiating from the shoulder to the wrist. Treatment comprised gabapentin for neuropathic pain, ketoprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and physiotherapy rehabilitation. After one month, the patient showed complete motor recovery and significant pain relief. Unfortunately, MRI of the brachial plexus was not performed due to financial constraints. This case underlines the rarity of unilateral brachial plexopathy following electrocution, a condition infrequently reported in medical literature, especially in the African context. The pathophysiological mechanisms include thermal injury, electroporation, and ischemic nerve damage. Early electrophysiological assessment and tailored rehabilitation are crucial to optimize neurological recovery and prevent chronic sequelae. The report highlights the need for increased awareness and specialized management of peripheral nerve injuries secondary to electrical accidents to improve functional outcomes.
VL  - 4
IS  - 4
ER  -

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