(Cobra Venom)
Naja produces a typical bulbar paralysis (L. J.
Boyd). Causes no hemorrhage but only edema, hence the victims of this
reptile frequently bear very little sign of external injury, a small
scratch or puncture being the only indication where the fangs have worked
their havoc. The tissue lying beneath the wound is colored dark purple, and
a large quantity of viscid blood-like fluid collects in the vicinity of the
wound. An intense burning pain at the spot bitten is the first symptom. In
man there follows an interval before fresh symptoms occur. The average is
about an hour. Once developed, the symptoms follow a rapid course. A
feeling of intoxication is produced, followed by a loss of power over the
limbs. The patient is bereft of speech, swallowing, and the control over
the movement of the lips. The saliva is ejected in large quantities, the
respiration gradually becomes slower and slower, and at length ceases.
Conscious all time. Is not a hemorrhagic or septic, medicine like Lachesis and Crotalus. Its action settles around the
heart; valvular troubles. Marked surging of blood upwards, marked dyspnea,
inability to lie on left side. Hypertrophy, and valvular lesions. Organs
seem to be drawn together. Very susceptible to cold. With heart
symptoms, pain in forehead and temples. Diseases primarily depending upon
degeneration of motor cells. Control of sphincters lost. | ||
Mind. Broods
constantly over imaginary troubles. Suicidal insanity. Depressed. Aversion
to talking. Blurred speech. Melancholy. Dreads to be left alone. Fear of
rain. | ||
Head. Pain
in left temple and in left orbital region, extending to occiput, with
nausea and vomiting. Hay fever, with dry larynx. Suffocative spells
after sleeping. [Lach.] Eyes staring. Ptosis of both
lids. | ||
Ears. Illusions
of hearing; otalgia; chronic otorrhea, black discharges; smells like
herring brine. | ||
Respiratory.
Grasping at throat, with sense of choking. Irritating, dry cough,
dependent on cardiac lesions. [Spong.] Sticky
mucus and saliva. Asthmatic constriction in evening. Asthma beginning with
coryza. | ||
Heart. Dragging
and anxiety in precordia. Feeling of weight on heart. Angina pains
extending to nape of neck, left shoulder and arm with anxiety and fear of
death. With the heart symptoms pain in forehead and temples. Pulse
irregular in force. Threatened paralysis of heart, body cold, pulse
slow, weak, irregular, tremulous. Acute and chronic endocarditis.
Palpitation. Stitching pain in region of heart. Damaged heart after
infectious diseases. Marked symptoms of low tension. | ||
Female.
Neuralgia of left ovary; often serviceable in obscure pain in left groin,
especially in postoperative cases; seems to be drawn to
heart. | ||
Sleep.
Profound, like a log, with stertorous breathing, a typical reptilian
state. | ||
Modalities.
Worse, from use of stimulants. Better, from walking or riding
in open air. | ||
Relationship.
Compare: Serpent poisons generally. Lach.; Spong. | ||
Dose. Sixth to
thirtieth potency. |