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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
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Snake bite mimicking brain death.

Joseph John1, Bahubali D Gane, Nishad Plakkal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalapet, Pondicherry 605 014, India. drjj@rediffmail.com.

Cases Journal
|June 26, 2008
PubMed
Summary
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A severe snake bite caused a child to experience respiratory failure and neurological symptoms mimicking brain death. Prompt anti-venom treatment and mechanical ventilation led to a gradual recovery of muscle strength and breathing.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Snake envenomation can lead to severe neurological complications.
  • Ophthalmoplegia is a known complication of cobra bites, but the combination of internal and external forms is rare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of severe pediatric snake envenomation presenting with neurological symptoms that mimicked brain death.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing such critical cases.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-year-old girl presented with symptoms of severe envenomation including respiratory failure and quadriparesis.
  • Clinical examination revealed bilateral ophthalmoplegia and loss of brainstem reflexes.
  • The patient received anti-snake venom therapy and mechanical ventilation.

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Main Results:

  • The patient's neurological status initially worsened, mimicking brain death.
  • After 36 hours of mechanical ventilation, gradual improvement in muscle power was observed.
  • The patient was successfully weaned off the ventilator and extubated after 5 days.

Conclusions:

  • Severe snake envenomation can present with a constellation of neurological signs, including internal and external ophthalmoplegia, that can be mistaken for brain death.
  • Early recognition, prompt anti-venom administration, and supportive care are crucial for managing severe envenomation and improving patient outcomes.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering toxicological causes in patients presenting with neurological deterioration and the potential for recovery even in seemingly dire circumstances.