Cobra Bite Likely Result: Flaccid Paralysis
Cobra venom is primarily neurotoxic. The key components in the venom act on the nervous system.
Specifically, these neurotoxins interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses from nerves to muscles. They often block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
This blockade prevents muscles from receiving the signals needed to contract. The direct consequence is muscle weakness progressing to flaccid paralysis, affecting breathing muscles and potentially leading to respiratory failure.
While some snake venoms can cause coagulopathy (affecting blood clotting) or cardiotoxicity (affecting the heart), the hallmark and most immediate danger associated with many cobra species' bites is neurotoxicity resulting in paralysis.
Therefore, flaccid paralysis is the most likely result of a cobra bite.
Important Questions from Venomous Snake Identification
- Early hypotension in venomous snakebite is due to which of the following?
Following the bite of a snake, a patient develops generalised myalgias, rhabdomyolysis, and progressive flaccid paralysis. The most likely snake implicated is:
- Which one of the following is most characteristic of Elapidae snake envenomation ?
