Envenomation by coral snake (Micrurus fulvius)

Envenomation by the coral snake (*Micrurus fulvius*), also known as the eastern coral snake, is an acute, life-threatening toxicologic emergency resulting from the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of elapid venom The venom acts predominantly on the peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junctions through presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins that inhibit cholinergic neurotransmission

The venom acts predominantly on the peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junctions through presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins that inhibit cholinergic neurotransmission

The venom acts predominantly on the peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junctions through presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins that inhibit cholinergic neurotransmission

Clinically, bites typically produce minimal local tissue destruction, pain, or edema, but can cause delayed yet rapidly progressive systemic neurotoxicity Characteristic manifestations begin with cranial nerve palsies and bulbar dysfunction—such as ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, and dysphagia—which can progress to descending flaccid motor paralysis and fatal respiratory failure secondary to diaphragm and intercostal muscle compromise

Clinically, bites typically produce minimal local tissue destruction, pain, or edema, but can cause delayed yet rapidly progressive systemic neurotoxicity Characteristic manifestations begin with cranial nerve palsies and bulbar dysfunction—such as ptosis, diplopia, dysarthria, and dysphagia—which can progress to descending flaccid motor paralysis and fatal respiratory failure secondary to diaphragm and intercostal muscle compromise