Epidemiology, presentation and integrated management of scorpion sting envenomation

Abstract

Scorpion sting is an overwhelming & an endemic public health problem in some rural part of the India. Approximately 1,400 species of the Scorpion are found worldwide. 50 species out of 700, in India, can cause serious illness. Most of the studies have focused on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of scorpion stings. However, the venom of several scorpion species can trigger Cerebral, Cardiovascular & other systemic disturbances which may lead to death. Ayurveda has explained numerous medicinal preparations in the management of Vrishchika Damsha (Scorpion sting). This Paper highlights on the presentation of Scorpion sting and its acceptable prophylaxis and therapeutic protocols according to Ayurveda & conventional medical science.

Neurological and Systemic Manifestations of Severe Scorpion Envenomation

“…Approximately, 5% of reported cases are severe and only 0.3% of severe cases are fatal. Scorpion envenomation may affect all individuals, but it is more prevalent in young people; 60% to 80% of them are older than 15 years but it is more severe in children principally due to minor corporal surface [1][2][3][4]. Domestic accidents in rural areas are considered the most common cause, with 80% of all recorded cases [1,2,[4][5][6].…”

“…Seizures and coma have been signaled in the context of severe cases [11,32,33]. Cytotoxic edema has also been described [3,34].…”

“…It is prevalent in certain tropical and subtropical regions of the world with low-to-moderate resources, such as Africa, India, and Latin America [1,2]. There are several species of scorpions, some with potentially lethal venom to humans [3][4][5][6]. The toxin released by the sting stimulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS), sympathetic and parasympathetic, which activates the coagulation cascade.…”