A Horned Viper Bite Victim with PRES.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Neurological complications from snake envenomation are typically neuromuscular paralysis or cerebrovascular events.
• Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon neurological sequela rarely associated with snake bites.

Observation:

• A pregnant woman with a Cerastes cerastes (horned viper) bite developed altered mental status and visual disturbances post-delivery.
• Clinical presentation included impaired consciousness, visual acuity reduction, and sluggish pupillary responses.
• Brain imaging, particularly MRI, was crucial in diagnosing PRES.

Findings:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed features consistent with PRES.
• Supportive treatment led to neurological recovery, although visual deficits persisted.
• This case adds to the limited literature linking snakebites to PRES.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider PRES in the differential diagnosis of neurological complications following snake envenomation.
• Early recognition and supportive care are vital for managing snakebite-induced PRES.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and incidence of PRES in snakebite victims.