Posterior fossa infarct following viper bite: A paradox

Abstract

Cerebral infarction after a viper bite is relatively uncommon. A combination of factors has been implicated in the pathophysiology of infarct following snakebite. In this case report, the clinical outcome after a posterior circulation infarct and various possibilities that could lead to such a catastrophic event are discussed. The present study stresses the need to keep hydration, blood pressure and central venous pressure optimal in all snakebite patients. Cerebral infarction should be considered a diferential diagnosis, in any patient with neurological deterioration following snakebite. Prognosis of such patients with posterior circulation stroke remains poor and decompressive craniectomy has not been found to be helpful.