A Case Series of Indian Red Scorpion Bite and Rare Clinical Presentation of Central Nervous System

Abstract

Indian red scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus) is a very dangerous venomous animal found in Indian Territory; its venom contains various toxins which causes direct effect on the central nervous system (CNS). We report a case series of 12 patients who were bitten and had atypical clinical presentation affecting CNS. We evaluated 12 patients of Indian red scorpion sting by taking history, routine blood investigations, CT scan of brain, and CNS examination at a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat. We observed that if patient takes longer time after sting to visit hospital, there are more chances of development of CNS signs and symptoms and indicates poor prognosis. Indian red scorpion venom is a potent sympathetic stimulant and cardio-toxic agent. It can also cause haemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke, cerebellar stroke and cerebellitis. Prazosin is the treatment of sting as there is no availability of anti-venom for sting. Prognosis is directly related to duration between scorpion sting and initiation of treatment. Keywords: 5’nucleotidase, roving eye movements, acute cerebellitis.