A 19-year-old diabetic teenager in Bengaluru was hospitalised in critical condition after his mobile phone exploded at home, causing severe electrical burns to his right hand, inhalation injury to his lungs, and triggering diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening metabolic crisis. The incident left him unconscious and required immediate transfer to SPARSH Hospital on Infantry Road, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists in critical care, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, and plastic surgery collaborated to stabilise him. Doctors described the case as exceptionally complex due to the simultaneous impact on multiple organ systems exacerbated by his pre-existing diabetes.

The explosion inflicted deep electrical burns and prompted fears of compartment syndrome, which could have led to permanent muscle and nerve damage in the affected limb. MRI scans revealed significant nerve compression causing temporary immobility in the hand, while inhalation of toxic fumes compromised lung function. The trauma also destabilised the patient’s blood sugar levels, pushing him into DKA—a condition where the body breaks down fat too quickly, producing dangerous ketones. “Early recognition of the diabetic emergency and prompt intensive care were crucial in preventing organ damage,” said Dr Hemant HR, Senior Consultant and Head of Critical Care Medicine at the hospital.

Timely medical intervention averted the need for surgical decompression, and the team successfully managed the metabolic imbalance and respiratory distress without further complications. The patient received psychological counselling to address post-traumatic stress and began physiotherapy to aid recovery. The coordinated response highlighted the importance of rapid, integrated care in cases involving electrical trauma, especially for individuals with underlying chronic conditions like diabetes.

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After weeks of intensive treatment and rehabilitation, the teenager was discharged in stable condition, with doctors optimistic about gradual nerve function recovery through ongoing physiotherapy and nutritional support. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the rare but severe risks associated with mobile phone battery malfunctions, emphasising safe handling of electronic devices. Hospital officials stressed that such cases, though uncommon, demand immediate medical attention to mitigate long-term consequences.

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