Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T23:25:54.588Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Ophthalmic injuries from a TASER

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Jay S. Han
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Department of Anesthesia, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
Anil Chopra
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
David Carr*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ont.
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St. RFE GS 433, Toronto ON M5G 2C4; [email protected]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

The TASER (TASER International) is an energy-conducting weapon, that is becoming more frequently used by law enforcement officials to subdue combative individuals. Though generally regarded as a safe alternative, the use of such weapons has been reported to cause serious injuries. We describe a case in which ocular injuries were sustained by impalement with a TASER dart. Emergency physicians should be aware of the potential for serious ophthalmic injuries from TASERs and how such injuries should be managed.

Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

References

1.United States Government Accountability Office. TASER weapons: use of TASERs by selected law enforcement agencies. Washington (DC): The Office; 2005. Available:http://www.gao.gov /new.items/d05464.pdf (accessed 2008 Nov 11).Google Scholar
2.Ho, JD, Dawes, DM, Bultman, LL, et al.Respiratory effect of prolonged electrical weapon application on human volunteers. Acad Emerg Med 2007;14:197201.Google Scholar
3.Ho, JD, Miner, JR, Lakireddy, DR,et al.Cardiovascular and physiologic effects of conducted electrical weapon discharge in resting adults. Acad Emerg Med 2006;13:589–95.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4.Vilke, GM, Sloane, CM, Bouto, KD, et al.Physiological effects of a conducted electrical weapon on human subjects. Ann Emerg Med 2007;50:569–75.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Winslow, JE, Bozeman, WP, Fortner, MC, et al.Thoracic compression fractures as a result of shock from a conducted energy weapon: a case report. Ann Emerg Med 2007;50:584–6.Google Scholar
6.Mehl, LE.Electrical injury from TASERing and miscarriage. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1992;71:118–23.Google Scholar
7.Strote, J, Range, HH. TASER use in restraint-related deaths. Pre-hosp Emerg Care 2006;10:447–50.Google Scholar
8.Kornblum, RN, Reddy, SK.Effects of the TASER in fatalities involving police confrontation. J Forensic Sci 1991;36:434–8.Google Scholar
9.Bleetman, A, Steyn, R, Lee, C.Introduction of the TASER into British policing. Implications for UK emergency departments: an overview of electronic weaponry. Emerg Med J 2004;21:136–40.Google Scholar
10.Koscove, EM.The TASER weapon: a new emergency medicine problem. Ann Emerg Med 1985;14:1205–8.Google Scholar
11.Miller, BK, Goldstein, MH, Monshizadeh, R, et al.Ocular manifestations of electrical injury: a case report and review of the literature. CLAO J 2002;28:224–7.Google Scholar
12.Grover, S, Goodwin, J.Lightning and electrical injuries: neuro-ophthalmologic aspects. Semin Neurol 1995;15:335–41.Google Scholar
13.Kobernick, M.Electrical injuries: pathophysiology and emergency management. Ann Emerg Med 1982;11:633–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14.Ng, W, Chehade, M.TASER penetrating ocular injury. Am J Ophthalmol 2005;139:713–5.Google Scholar
15.Chen, SL, Richard, CK, Murthy, RC, et al.Perforating ocular injury by TASER. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol 2006;34:378–80.Google Scholar
16.Seth, RK, Abedi, G, Daccache, AJ, et al.Cataract secondary to electrical shock from a TASER gun. J Cataract Refract Surg 2007;33:1664–5.Google Scholar
17.Martinez, JA, Nguyen, T.Electrical injuries. South Med J 2000;93:1165–8.Google Scholar
18.Novelline, RA, Liebig, T, Jordan, J, et al.Computed tomography of ocular trauma. Emerg Radiol 1994;1:5667.Google Scholar
19.Sabaci, G, Bayer, A, Mutlu, FM, et al.Endophthalmitis after deadly-weapon-related open-globe injuries: risk factors, value of prophylactic antibiotics, and visual outcomes. Am J Ophthalmol 2002;133:62–9.Google Scholar
20.Thompson, WS, Rubsamen, PE, Flynn, HW, et al.Endophthalmitis after penetrating trauma. Risk factors and visual acuity outcomes. Ophthalmology 1995;102:1696–701.Google Scholar
21.Schmidseder, E, Miño de Kaspar, H, Klauss, V, et al.Post-traumatic endophthalmitis after penetrating eye injuries. Risk factors, microbiological diagnosis and functional outcome. Ophthalmologe 1998;95:153–7.Google Scholar