Posterior fossa infarct following Viper bite: a paradox

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: D Deepu, S Hrishikesh, MT Suma, V Zoya
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2011
• Subjects: snakebite; cerebral infarction; Russell's viper; posterior cranial fossa; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic; Fossa
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992011000300017; https://doaj.org/article/ab482b7e7757443ab4ebc8eef15b00c8

Cerebral infarction after a viper bite is relatively uncommon. A combination of factors has been implicated in the pathophysiology of infarct following snakebite. In this case report, the clinical outcome after a posterior circulation infarct and various possibilities that could lead to such a catastrophic event are discussed. The present study stresses the need to keep hydration, blood pressure and central venous pressure optimal in all snakebite patients. Cerebral infarction should be considered a differential diagnosis, in any patient with neurological deterioration following snakebite. Prognosis of such patients with posterior circulation stroke remains poor and decompressive craniectomy has not been found to be helpful.