Fight or Flee: An Interesting Case of Snakebite With Delayed Recovery

Abstract

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease, which is very common in the Indian subcontinent. The severity of respiratory muscle paralysis and the delay in recovery depend upon the dose of the venom injected, the severity of the venom, the species of the snake, the duration of presentation to the hospital, and the time and dose of administration of anti-snake venom (ASV). The reasons for this delayed neuromuscular recovery still remain an enigma. We highlight such a case of a young adult who had delayed neuromuscular recovery and prolonged ventilatory support following a neurotoxic snakebite.

Delayed Neurological Manifestation in Krait Bites Despite Anti-snake Venom Therapy

“…In another case report from India, a 46-year-old male developed a delayed neurological recovery post administration of ASV [ 2 ]. Similarly, another case of an 18-year-old male showing persistent ptosis and respiratory distress, similar to this patient, was reported [ 8 ]. The circulating venom is neutralized with polyvalent ASV.…”