SPECTRUM OF NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN SCORPION STING

Aim: To study clinical and radiological profile of scorpion sting. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 30 patients suffering from scorpion sting in our tertiary referral centre over a period of 15 months from June 2014 to August 2015. Detailed history, physical examination with a specific neurological examination and routine biochemical tests and fundus examination were done. Computerized Tomography (CT) head, and where required, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was done in those having focal neurological deficit. All these patients also underwent a complete hematological, rheumatologic and cardiovascular work-up for stroke. Result: Stroke was seen in six patients (20%). Hemorrhagic stroke was noted in four patients (13.33%) and thrombotic stroke in two patients (6.67%). The mean time of presentation of neurological symptoms was 2 days. Stroke has been the most common presentation in our cases (20%). Various other neurological manifestations in our study were psychosis, hemiparesis, isolated cranial nerve palsies. Such a variety of neurological manifestations has not been observed in any single study. Conclusion: The scorpion envenomation in India represents a medical emergency, and the prevention and training for doctors have to be done. The suspicions of neurological complications have to be considered and an early and prompt diagnosis can offer a better prognosis to the patient.