Publication: Snakebite Masquerading as Brain Death: A Case Report from Nepal
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
Abstract
Abstract:
Neurotoxic envenomation from snake bites, particularly krait bites, can mimic brain death. A 17-year-old male was referred to our hospital intubated, presenting with clinical features consistent with brain death. However, the absence of a clear preceding event and his residence in a snakebite-endemic region raised suspicion of snakebite. Prompt administration of anti-snake venom led to significant recovery, and he was discharged without neurological deficits. This case underscores the need for clinicians to recognize neurotoxic snake bites as a potential differential diagnosis of brain death, particularly in resource-limited endemic areas where diagnostic capabilities may be restricted.
Description
Pujan Balla
Province Hospital, Surkhet
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6793-2625
Smriti Baidya
Province Hospital, Surkhet
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0404-9835
Kul Raj Shahi
Province Hospital, Surkhet
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7908-0164
Khechar Nath Paudel
Province Hospital, Surkhet
Author
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9982-7439
Keywords
Anti-snake venom, brain death, snakebite