Hypoxic brain injury and cortical blindness in a victim of a Mozambican spitting cobra bite

Abstract

Snakebite and the subsequent envenomation is a serious and potentially fatal illness, owing to the effects of the various toxins present in the venom. Cortical blindness following bites containing neurotoxin is a rare complication. We describe the clinical findings and imaging in a child who sustained significant brain injury following a bite from a Mozambican spitting cobra. We also discuss the venom composition, complications and appropriate management of such cases.