Neurotoxic snakes of the Americas

Neurol Clin Pract. 2015 Oct;5(5):383-388. doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000180.

Abstract

Snake envenomation is a global problem and often a matter of life or death. Emergency treatment is not always readily available or effective. There are numerous neurotoxic snakes in the Americas, chiefly elapids; some crotalids have also evolved neurotoxic venom. The variability of neurotoxins found in snake venom within the same species makes development and choice of proper antivenom a major challenge that has not been completely addressed. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical effects, and current treatment of neurotoxic snake envenomation in the Americas.