Memory loss associated with snakebite ? - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by pygmybait on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Hi guys. I was wondering if any of you have ever heard of or know of anyone having long term memory loss after a snakebite. I have been bitten four times in the last several years (due to carelessness on my part) and have recently been having some significant loss of memory. I'm talking about big chunks of time in the 30 to 45 minute area. If there may be a link, would any of you know of a link or some other forum where I could read more abou tit? Thanks in advance - Matt

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by guttersnacks on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
After reading your post, I thought I'd give some insight into my experience. I havent noticed any changes in my memory, but maybe time will tell. Tom

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by guttersnacks on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Interesting question..........In my experience, I havent noticed any changes, but Im still only in my late 20's, so we'll see what happens when I get older Tom

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by challenger on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
You are an EMT and yet you still allow yourself to get bit four times? No one likes a lecture but for the sake of those lurking I would like to state that zero bites is very attainable-w-hots. Have you been medicated for the bites? If so these drugs will give memory loss.

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by pygmybait on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
You're right. I don't need a lecture. I would be interested to hear more about how medications could cause these symptoms 10 months after the fact. Please elaborate -

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by BwViper on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
I have noticed a lot of loss in memory over the last few years. I have been bit several times in the last couple years. I have never even once thought it to be from long term effects of being bit or medication used for it. It's an interesting thought though. If you do find information on it, please post it on here so we can read about it. You may just be on to something. Sorry I couldn't offer you any better info. Later, Bobby

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by Phobos on October 27, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Hi Guys: Interesting topic. One would think a bite from an Elapid might cause problems but not most Crotalids unless of a significant neurotoxic component in the venom; ie: some Canebrakes. I know it very possible with some of the snakes (Elapids) that have pre-synaptic neurotoxins present, like Taipans for instance. None of these comments are based on hard facts that I read, just a generalization. I'd like to hear from BGF on this topic.. Bryan you out there?? Matt...what species got ya?? Al

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by challenger on October 28, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Ativan, Valium, Klonopin all cause memory loss at the higher doses but this would be during the medications effect-not after it has worn off. Personally I would go get some testing from a neuropsychologist. They offer a miriad of tests that can pinpoint the affected area of the brain. I wonder if any antivenin has this side affect? I would consult a highly recommended MD as it may be associated-w-something other than the bites. I've found most MD's like the quick & easy cases so maybe someone out there knows of one that is a herper and interested in this science as well as medical science. If $/insurance is an issue perhaps there is enough info here to get some members inquiring about some self tests that may be available. I would not wait another day were it me as there are several new meds out there designed to help memory problems. Look into Ginko Biloba-no kidding. See if there are doses recommended. I've heard it absolutely helps-w-memory problems. Remember all we are is a bunch of chemicals

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by pygmybait on October 29, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
The last one was a juvenile Canebrake fom Osceola National Forest in Florida. I've read that they are supposed to have some highly neurotoxic components in their venom. Maybe no more so than other Canes but....I also was given the Wyeth AV by mistake. I was supposed to get Crofab. I had a bad allergic reaction to it and also had serum sickness about two and a half weeks after the bite. Not a good experience overall. I'm still looking to see if there could be a connection. I already say a neurologist and have been through several tests. Nothing so far.

RE: Memory loss associated with snakebite ?	Reply
by Phobos on October 30, 2004	Mail this to a friend!
Matt: Yes, I had a discussion tonight about that population of Canebrakes. I'm at the SC Show with a bunch of SHHS members. I was told that they are about 5 to 10 times more neurotoxic than Mojave Rattlesnake (C. s. scutulatus). It could very well be an effect of the bite, it cannot be ruled out for sure. Another word of CAUTION about that population...I was told that a seasoned keeper was unresponsive six (6)minutes after a bite by one of these Canebrakes. If his wife was not present he would not have made it... Keep me posted... Al

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