Snakebites

Snakebites are injuries caused by either venomous or nonvenomous species.  Although most snakes are harmless, bites from certain venomous species can be life-threatening.  These bites can lead to severe complications, including neurotoxicity, tissue damage, and systemic effects such as bleeding and organ failure.  When indicated, prompt administration of antivenom can prevent further injury and may be crucial to ensuring survival and minimizing long-term effects.

The most common snakes to cause dangerous bites in humans come from the Viperidae and Elapidae families.  In North America, the most frequently encountered venomous snakes belong to the pit viper group (Viperidae family, Crotalinae subfamily); the coral snake (Elapidae family) is encountered much less frequently.

Toxins from snakes in this family typically cause more local effects (eg, local tissue necrosis); however, coagulopathy, hemorrhage, rhabdomyolysis, or acute kidney injury can also occur.