Which signs are associated with Eastern Coral Snake envenomation?

Which signs are associated with Eastern Coral Snake envenomation?

• A. Tremor, salivation, seizures, diplopia, dysphagia, and bulbar palsies
• B. Severe local necrosis at the bite site only
• C. Rash with fever and malaise
• D. Severe edema without neuro signs

Answer: (A)

Eastern coral snake envenomation is mainly neurotoxic, so the signs reflect disruption of neuromuscular transmission rather than local tissue injury. Its venom contains alpha-neurotoxins that affect nicotinic receptors, leading to cranial nerve dysfunction and bulbar weakness that can progress to respiratory failure. That makes signs like tremor, hypersalivation, diplopia, dysphagia, and bulbar palsies classic indicators of this type of envenomation, with seizures possible in more severe or evolving cases. By contrast, bites from snakes with primarily tissue-damaging venoms tend to produce substantial local swelling or necrosis, fever with rash, or edema without neuro signs. So the neuro-ophthalmic and bulbar symptoms listed are the best fit for Eastern coral snake venom.

Eastern coral snake envenomation is mainly neurotoxic, so the signs reflect disruption of neuromuscular transmission rather than local tissue injury. Its venom contains alpha-neurotoxins that affect nicotinic receptors, leading to cranial nerve dysfunction and bulbar weakness that can progress to respiratory failure. That makes signs like tremor, hypersalivation, diplopia, dysphagia, and bulbar palsies classic indicators of this type of envenomation, with seizures possible in more severe or evolving cases. By contrast, bites from snakes with primarily tissue-damaging venoms tend to produce substantial local swelling or necrosis, fever with rash, or edema without neuro signs. So the neuro-ophthalmic and bulbar symptoms listed are the best fit for Eastern coral snake venom.