Posterior fossa infarct following Viper bite: a paradox

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• snakebite
• cerebral infarction
• Russell's viper
• posterior cranial fossa