The progression and resolution of local anaesthetic resistance following a scorpion sting: case report

M Tshitangano; M Duffy; N Coetzee; A Giuricich

doi:10.36303/SAJAA.3194

The progression and resolution of local anaesthetic resistance following a scorpion sting: case report

Authors

M Tshitangano University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2283-3090
M Duffy University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0977-2779
N Coetzee University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8039-4609
A Giuricich University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0093-4784

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36303/SAJAA.3194

Keywords:

local anaesthesia, resistance, scorpion sting

Abstract

A 35-year-old female presented for an elective caesarean section. The patient reported multiple failed or delayed onset spinal anaesthetics. On further enquiry, she had been stung by a scorpion as an adolescent. There are case reports documenting the incidence of local anaesthetic resistance following scorpion stings. The incidence of local anaesthetic failure appears highest near the scorpion sting and progressively diminishes. A diagnostic dermal local anaesthetic infiltration test may be done if a patient reports a history of failed regional anaesthesia and a previous scorpion sting to aid in planning an appropriate anaesthetic approach.

Author Biographies

M Tshitangano, University of the Witwatersrand

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

M Duffy, University of the Witwatersrand

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

N Coetzee, University of the Witwatersrand

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

A Giuricich , University of the Witwatersrand

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

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Published

2025-05-06

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Case Studies

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