Blindness and scalp haematoma in a child following a snakebite
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Date
2015
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Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University
Abstract
Background: Snake envenomation is a major public health problem of the Savannah regions of West Africa. Ocular man ifestations of snakebites are rare with few reports documenting blindness as a complication.
Objective: To highlight an unusual manifestation of snake bites and its attendant problems
Methods: A report of scalp haematoma and blindness in a 10 year old child presenting 2 weeks after a snake bite (pre sumably carpet viper) is a rare manifestation. Local swelling, epistaxis, bilateral proptosis, exposure keratopathy and use of traditional eye medications were associated fndings. Anti-venom though administered late saved the child’s life but blindness could not be reversed.
Results: Ocular ultrasonography revealed layered retrobulbar collection in the left eye, presumably due to hemorrhage. The skull x-ray showed a soft tissue swelling and aspirate from scalp swelling was bloody. Cranial Computed Tomography (CT) scan done late detected no abnormalities.
Conclusion: Snakebite is associated with lifelong morbidity. Ocular manifestations must be treated as emergency. This case highlights the effect of ignorance and poverty in a setting of a common medical emergency leading to blindness and reduced quality of life