Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

This article describes the effects of a scorpion sting.

• scorpion venom

• scorpions
• related species

mild case:

• body as a whole
  • mild tingling or burning at site of sting

• body as a whole
  • muscular spasms
  • convulsions
  • urinary incontinence
  • urine output, decreased
  • excessive salivation (drooling)
  • random movements of head, eye, and/or neck
• respiratory
  • rapid breathing
  • difficulty breathing
  • stop breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • tongue feels thicker
  • spasm of the larynx (voice box)
  • double vision
• gastrointestinal
  • abdominal cramps
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • fecal incontinence
• heart and blood vessels
  • high blood pressure
  • increased or decreased heart rate
  • irregular heartbeat
• nervous system
  • restlessness
  • tense
  • seizures
  • paralysis

Most stings from North American scorpions do not require treatment. Children 6 years and younger are more susceptible to the toxic effects of the poisonous varieties.

Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. Immobilize the affected limb. If patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time to prevent possible damage to the skin.

Keep the patient still.

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• identification of the insect if possible
• the time stung

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If possible, bring the scorpion to the emergency room for identification.

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Give an antiserum (only in the most severe cases)
• Open and maintain the airway if needed
• Treat the symptoms

Death rarely occurs in patients older than 6 years. If symptoms rapidly become worse within the first 2-4 hours after the sting, a poor outcome is more likely. Symptoms usually last 24-48 hours. Some deaths have occurred as late as 4 days after the sting.