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Case Report: Cryptic Neurotoxic Envenomation Mimicking a Localized Facial Reaction—The Critical Role of Syndromic Triage in Unwitnessed Nocturnal Snakebites

Himanshu Gupta, Kush Patel, Preety Alka Chingakham

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Indian Journal of Emergency Medicine 12(3):p 129-134, July - Sept. 2026. | DOI: 10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.12326.1

How Cite This Article:

Himanshu Gupta, Kush Patel, Preety Alka Chingakham. Case Report: Cryptic Neurotoxic Envenomation Mimicking a Localized Facial Reaction—The Critical Role of Syndromic Triage in Unwitnessed Nocturnal Snakebites. Ind J Emerg Med. 2026; 12(3): 129-134.

Timeline

Received : June 15, 2026         Accepted : July 20, 2026          Published : September 30, 2026

Abstract

Background: Snakebite Envenomation is a time-limiting, acute medical emergency and a significant public health hazard in rural and suburban India. Neurotoxic Envenomation, predominantly caused by the Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), presents profound diagnostic dilemmas. Because Kraits are nocturnal and possess fine fangs, their bites are frequently painless, lack significant local signs, and can escape the patient’s awareness. When a patient presents with atypical soft tissue swelling or an alternative medical history, significant diagnostic delays and rapid clinical deterioration can occur.


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Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.


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Cite this article

Himanshu Gupta, Kush Patel, Preety Alka Chingakham. Case Report: Cryptic Neurotoxic Envenomation Mimicking a Localized Facial Reaction—The Critical Role of Syndromic Triage in Unwitnessed Nocturnal Snakebites. Ind J Emerg Med. 2026; 12(3): 129-134.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



Received Accepted Published
June 15, 2026 July 20, 2026 September 30, 2026

DOI: 10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.12326.1

Keywords

ccult Snake BiteOccult Snake BiteKrait Envenomation •Neurotoxic Snake BiteNeuro-Paralytic Snake Bite

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Received June 15, 2026
Accepted July 20, 2026
Published September 30, 2026

licence


Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



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