Being struck by lightning is one of the most extreme experiences the human body can go through. Although very rare, it can cause severe physical and psychological consequences – and the way it is experienced varies greatly from one person to the next.
One unusual case is that of Gary Reynolds, an American worker who has been struck by lightning four times. He says that although he looks the same on the outside, “on the inside he feels like a completely different person.”
The first stroke occurred in 2007, when he was getting a drink from the refrigerator in his garage. After it, he was unable to move for months due to severe pain. But the damage wasn't just physical – he began to have difficulty concentrating and completing simple tasks.
He was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Just 11 months after the first incident, he was struck again – an extremely rare event. This time he described a severe headache and a sensation of electricity running through his hand, which immediately turned red.
Due to high medical costs from the first time, he was unable to receive proper treatment, and his condition worsened: dizziness, weakness in his hands, and difficulty working.
The consequences also affected his personal life – his marriage ended, and he was forced to move and start over. However, lightning struck him again in 2016 and again in 2022, even inside his home.
How does the body experience a lightning strike?
Lightning can transmit thousands of volts of energy in a single instant. The consequences include:
severe burns
nervous system damage
problems with memory and concentration
psychological disorders such as anxiety and PTSD
Some survivors describe unbearable pain, while others say adrenaline masks the sensation at the moment of impact.
Long-term consequences
In many cases, the most serious damage occurs later. Some people are left with:
chronic nerve damage
inability to feel temperature or pain
extreme fatigue and forgetfulness
Another survivor reported that she could no longer feel heat or cold, while another woman lost the ability to sweat and suffers from constant fatigue and memory problems.
However, there are also rare cases where people report strange improvements, such as better vision or recovery from previous injuries.
How often does it happen?
Every year around 240,000 people worldwide are injured by lightning, and about 10% of them die. In the UK, 30–60 cases are reported per year, while in the US hundreds of people are struck each year.
The risk is higher for those who spend a lot of time outdoors – such as hikers, fishermen or golfers.
A life-changing experience
Many survivors say the experience is not just physical, but also deeply psychological. Some deal with ongoing trauma, while others struggle to find meaning in what happened to them.
Despite the differences, one thing is clear: being struck by lightning is not just a moment – it is an event that can change lives forever. /GazetaExpress/
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