[DCBryan1]

Looks like certain subspecies of the Southern pacific rattlesnake have now been confirmed to have neurotoxic properties like the Mohave and timber rattlesnakes.

That means their venom is hemotoxic, cytotoxic, and now neurotoxic.....a hell of a battle in the ICU. I bet she died from complications breathing. It would be like treating a patient who couldn't clot, massive tissue damage, and having stroke symptoms with lack of breathing!

From the Annals of Emergency Medicine (Toxicology Report) March 2024

Abstract The Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri) is commonly encountered throughout Southern California. Typical toxicity includes tissue injury and hematologic toxicity. However, neurotoxicity is not commonly reported with rattlesnake envenomations, other than infrequently with select species, including the Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus). Importantly, clinical neurotoxicity has not been well described with the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, the only rattlesnake in the city of Los Angeles, along with the Southern and coastal regions of Los Angeles County. In this case series, 7 patients envenomated by the Southern Pacific rattlesnake with significant neurotoxicity, including dysarthria, ataxia, and myokymia, are presented. Clinicians practicing in this region should be aware of evolving patterns of toxicity associated with the Southern Pacific rattlesnake.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

• Dysarthria: Slurred or unclear speech caused by weakness or poor coordination of the muscles used for talking (tongue, lips, voice box). It sounds like someone is mumbling or drunk, but it's due to a neurological problem, not alcohol.
• Ataxia: Lack of muscle coordination that leads to clumsy, unsteady movements. People with ataxia may walk unsteadily (like they're drunk), have shaky hands, or struggle with precise tasks like buttoning a shirt. It's often a sign of issues in the brain's balance and movement centers (especially the cerebellum).
• Myokymia: Involuntary, fine twitching or rippling of small muscle bundles, often seen in the eyelids, face, or other muscles. It looks like tiny worms moving under the skin and is usually harmless and temporary, though it can sometimes relate to nerve irritation or fatigue.
• If caused by Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri) envenomation: These symptoms (dysarthria, ataxia, and myokymia) can occur due to neurotoxic components in the venom of some Southern Pacific rattlesnakes. They are signs of significant envenomation but are not typically fatal with prompt medical treatment. In reported cases, the symptoms improved after antivenom (such as FabAV) was given. Untreated rattlesnake bites can be dangerous or rarely fatal due to swelling, bleeding issues, or severe weakness affecting breathing, so immediate emergency care is essential.

Of course, other actions of the venom ARE fatal.

So, if you see somebody stumbling around with slurred speech on your hikes, think "rattlesnake-bite victim." Good to know.

FTA --> "Clinicians practicing in this region should be aware of evolving patterns of toxicity associated with the Southern Pacific rattlesnake."

Now that's interesting...it sounds like the snakes are evoloving their venom! Or maybe it's just the understanding of the venom that's evolving.