Stress-induced Late Onset Adult Idiopathic Epilepsy after Snakebite: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Viper snake bites are associated with haemorrhagic qualities and bleeding disorders, including intracerebral haemorrhage. However, idiopathic epilepsy resulting from viper venom is considered a rare condition. Here is a case of a 30-year-old female who developed idiopathic epilepsy following a snake bite within two hours of the incident. Based on her clinical symptoms and laboratory investigations, the patient was immediately treated with Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) and supportive care. She then experienced an idiopathic seizure upon admission, and her Electroencephalography (EEG) showed generalised epileptiform activity. Subsequently, she was treated with anticonvulsant agents. After being discharged, the patient was readmitted one month later for the same condition, experiencing multiple seizure episodes, each lasting about 40 to 50 seconds. Her MRI of the brain was normal. She was then treated with two anticonvulsant agents and discharged with regular follow-up. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for seizures in patients presenting after envenomation. Early diagnosis and aggressive management may help prevent further neuromuscular damage to the patient.

Keywords

• anti-snake venom
• electroencephalography
• envenomation
• russell viper