@article{ref1,
title="Blindness and scalp haematoma in a child following a snakebite",
journal="African health sciences",
year="2015",
author="Katibi, Oludolapo Sherifat and Adepoju, Feyiyemi Grace and Olorunsola, Benedict Oluwasesan and Ernest, Samuel Kolade and Monsudi, Kehinde Fasasi",
volume="15",
number="3",
pages="1041-1044",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Snake envenomation is a major public health problem of the Savannah regions of West Africa. Ocular manifestations of snakebites are rare with few reports documenting blindness as a complication. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To highlight an unusual manifestation of snake bites and its attendant problems. <br><br>METHODS: A report of scalp haematoma and blindness in a 10 year old child presenting 2 weeks after a snake bite (presumably carpet viper) is a rare manifestation. Local swelling, epistaxis, bilateral proptosis, exposure keratopathy and use of traditional eye medications were associated findings. Anti-venom though administered late saved the child's life but blindness could not be reversed. <br><br>RESULTS: Ocular ultrasonography revealed layered retrobulbar collection in the left eye, presumably due to hemorrhage. The skull x-ray showed a soft tissue swelling and aspirate from scalp swelling was bloody. Cranial Computed Tomography (CT) scan done late detected no abnormalities. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Snakebite is associated with lifelong morbidity. Ocular manifestations must be treated as emergency. This case highlights the effect of ignorance and poverty in a setting of a common medical emergency leading to blindness and reduced quality of life.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1680-6905",
doi="10.4314/ahs.v15i3.46",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v15i3.46"
}