The severity of envenomation following a scorpion (genus Centruroides) sting can be graded based on the patient's signs and symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Grade
local pain and/or paresthesias at site of envenomation
I
pain and/or paresthesias remote from the site of sting
II
either cranial nerve or somatic skeletal muscle neuromuscular dysfunction
III
both cranial nerve and somatic skeletal muscle neuromuscular dysfunction
IV
Cranial nerve dysfunction:
(1) blurred vision
(2) wandering eye movements
(3) hypersalivation
(4) trouble swallowing
(5) tongue fasciculations
(6) problems with upper airway
(7) slurred speech
Somatic skeletal muscle neuromuscular dysfunction:
(1) jerking of extremities
(2) restlessness
(3) severe involuntary shaking and jerking mimicing a seizure disorder
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
