Severe rapid-onset paralysis in a part-time soldier
ABSTRACT
We report a case of severe rapid-onset paralysis in a 28-year-old previously healthy man, necessitating intubation and mechanical ventilation, after a presumed bite or sting. Despite no other systemic manifestations of envenoming, the paralysis rapidly responded to polyvalent snake antivenom. The rapidity and severity of clinical effects make this case most concerning. We outline a differential diagnosis of acute paralysis and comment on issues relating to the management of the envenomed patient.
Crit Care Resusc 2006; 8: 120 - 122
