Scorpion envenomation
Background
- Most scorpion stings in N. America only result in local pain
- C. sculpturatus found in AZ, NM, TX, and CA can cause systemic toxicity
Clinical Features
- Local reaction
- Immediate and severe pain
- Systemic reaction
- Uncommon but can be severe, particularly in children
- Cranial nerve and somatic motor dysfunction can develop:
- Abnormal roving eye movements, blurred vision, pharyngeal muscle incoordination
- Can occasionally lead to respiratory compromise
- Tachycardia and severe agitation can also be present
- Without antivenom symptoms last 24-48hr
Treatment
- Apply ice to area of sting
- Atropine
- May be given for hypersalivation and respiratory distress caused
- Contraindicated for foreign scorpion stings because may exacerbate adrenergic effects
- May be given for hypersalivation and respiratory distress caused
- Antivenom
- Resolves clinical syndrome within 4hr
See Also
Source
Tintinalli