Thunderstorms and iPods — Not a Good iDea
Source: New England Journal of Medicine

Although people may be struck directly by lightning, it is more common for the lightning to jump to a person from a nearby object, such as a tree — a phenomenon known as a side flash. Opisthotonic muscle contraction may project the victim some distance, leading to further injury from blunt trauma. Because of the high resistance of skin, the lightning is often conducted over the outside of the body (an effect known as a flashover); however, sweat and metallic objects in contact with the skin can disrupt the flashover, leading to the internal flow of current. Although the use of a device such as an iPod may not increase the chances of being struck by lightning, in this case, the combination of sweat and metal earphones directed the current to, and through, the patient’s head. The mandibular fractures were probably caused by muscle contraction, since there were no external signs of injury to the face. The perforations of the tympanic membranes occurred as a result of the sudden heating and expansion of air around the current, leading to pressure waves. Perforations are commonly seen in patients who have been struck by lightning, although ossicular injuries appear to be rare.

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