Ophthalmoplegia in tiger snake envenomation.
Herein, we present the case of a 67-year-old grazier who was bitten by a tiger snake and developed coagulopathy and respiratory distress. The patient required intubation and ventilation in intensive care. There was delayed detection of snake envenomation and administration of antivenom. On extubation several days later, gross external ocular paresis was noted. Clinical testing indicated that the ocular pathology was secondary to neurotoxin-mediated presynaptic blockade. The paresis was partially resolved by the time of discharge one week later. The present case report discusses the possible mechanisms for the delayed development of ophthalmoplegia.
Ferdinands
Mervyn
M
Department of Neurosciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Melbourne, Parkville 3050, Victoria, Australia. mervynf@netspace.net.au
Seneviratne
Janaka
J
O'Brien
Terry
T
White
Owen
O
D000368:Aged; D004546:Elapid Venoms; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000150:complications*
D004546:Elapid Venoms; C072139:Notechis 11'2