Ophthalmic injuries from a TASER

Abstract

ABSRACTThe 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. RÉSUMÉLe pistolet TASER (TASER International) est une arme à impulsions électriques que les responsables de l'application de la loi utilisent de plus en plus fréquemment pour neutraliser les individus combatifs. Bien que l'emploi de cette arme soit généralement considéré comme une méthode d'immobilisation sûre, son déploiement a causé des traumatismes graves. Nous décrivons un cas de blessure oculaire par empalement du dard d'un pistolet paralysant. Les médecins d'urgence doivent être conscients de la possibilité de blessures oculaires graves que les pistolets TASER peuvent causer et savoir quelle est la prise en charge dans de tels cas.

Ocular manifestations of TASER-induced trauma

“…The darts are barbed, enabling them to grip onto clothing or tissue while the TASER delivers electrical impulses. The probe itself may cause significant injury to the eye on impact, and the barbs make removal of the dart a potential source for further damage to the globe [4] , [5] .…”

“…When the TASER strikes its target, it forms a closed circuit that allows a high-voltage, low current shock to be delivered [1] , [2] . This electrical current may cause thermal damage, ischemia due to vascular constriction, and disruption of endogenous electrical signalling pathways [1] , [4] . The optic nerve and retina provide a low resistance pathway for electrical currents, making them susceptible to compromised retinal vascular supply and resultant ischemia [4] .…”

A brain penetration after Taser injury: Controversies regarding Taser gun safety

“…Moreover, specific organ injuries have been reported: one pharyngeal perforation [8], perforating ocular injuries by darts penetrating the globe [9][10][11] and cataract secondary to electrical shock [12]. The possibility of vascular injuries in the cervical or groin area should be considered as well as the occurrence of a pneumothorax insofar as the probe penetrated the thoracic wall.…”

Infection Risk From Conducted Electrical Weapon Probes: What Do We Know?

“…Current flow was completed via the 2nd probe in the left arm. The eye was repaired surgically and no infection was reported. A 25‐year‐old man received a probe in the right orbital region . Examination of the right eye revealed an angulated 3 cm metal TASER dart partially embedded through the right eyelid just below the eyebrow, accompanied by slight bruising in the surrounding tissues.…”