Management of the common European viper’s bite

Abstract

The common European viper is widespread throughout Europe. In Hungary it can be found mainly in the Zemplén Mountains, on the upper course of the Tisza River, and Zala and Somogy counties. Viper's bite is one of the rarest injuries that requires emergency medical care. The venom contains polypeptides and hydrolytic enzymes which have neurotoxic, cytotoxic, hemolytic and hemorrhagic effects. Local symptoms may include double points, pain, swelling, and suffusion at the site of the bite. Very occasionally, particularly in case of small children and elderly people, viper bite can cause life threatening angioedema, as well as shock and, therefore, professional medical help should always be sought preferably in a hospital that has a toxicology and poison control centre. Authors present the history of a 64-year-old nature enthusiast, who, after having been bitten by a viper, lost consciousness and experienced persistent local redness and pain. Soon after the viper bite, the patient suffered another potentially fatal accident, a stroke of lightning that he also survived. In connection with the case, authors provide an overview of the clinical symptoms caused by viper venom, and current issues of professional care.