Coral Snake Bite

Abstract

THERE HAS BEEN ample information recently presented in the literature concerning North American snake bites of the pit viper (family Crotalidae) variety. In contrast, the literature reveals only spotty information concerning the North American coral snake and its bite. Even less has been said of its treatment, and, to add confusion, there are the inevitable backwoods exaggerations and tales. Our recent experience in treating a near-fatal case of coral snake bite has, therefore, prompted this article. Along with the case report, we will attempt to unify the known facts, to put the problem into proper perspective, and to outline a logical approach to the management of this medical emergency. The North American coral snake belongs to the family Elapidae, genus Micrurus, and species fulvius. There are several subspecies marked by minor physical differences. The 2 main types are the southeastern (common) coral and the smaller western (Arizona) coral snake. Their