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Scorpion Sting

Scorpion stings are an envenomation emergency seen mainly in southern and southeastern Türkiye.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Scorpion Sting?

Scorpion stings deliver a neurotoxic venom that triggers excessive release of catecholamines and acetylcholine. Severity depends on the species (Androctonus, Leiurus, Mesobuthus), age of the patient and amount of venom delivered.

Children are the most vulnerable group; pulmonary oedema, myocarditis and central nervous system effects can develop. Most stings produce severe local symptoms only, but a small fraction progress to systemic envenomation.

Symptoms

Severe burning pain at the sting site
Local redness and swelling
Sweating, tachycardia and hypertension
Vomiting, agitation and tremor
Pulmonary oedema and respiratory distress in severe cases
Seizures and altered consciousness in children

Risk Factors

Children below 6 years
Living in southern or southeastern rural Türkiye
Outdoor sleeping in summer
Wearing shoes left outside without checking
Working in agriculture or stone walls
Sting by a highly venomous species

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • All scorpion stings warrant medical assessment
  • Sting in a child or pregnant woman
  • Vomiting, sweating, tachycardia or breathing difficulty
  • Restlessness, seizures or altered consciousness

Treatment Methods

01
Immobilise the affected limb and apply cold packs
02
Hospital monitoring with ECG and blood pressure
03
Pain control with paracetamol or non-opioid analgesics
04
Avoid morphine in significant envenomation (risk of pulmonary oedema)
05
Antivenom for systemic envenomation in children or severe cases
06
Prazosin and supportive therapy for autonomic storm and pulmonary oedema

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.