Palghar: A 14-year-old boy from Manor, Palghar, survived a life-threatening snakebite and a rare stroke complication, thanks to prompt medical treatment and critical care.

The incident occurred in the evening when the teenager was bitten by a venomous snake. He collapsed immediately, suffering facial injuries and dental trauma. After initial treatment at a local primary health centre (PHC), where he received 20 vials of antivenom, he was referred to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, in critical condition.

“He was in a coma, unresponsive, and bleeding profusely—a presentation typical of viper envenomation,” said Dr. Ankit Gupta, consultant – pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals. “We administered additional antivenom, provided life support, and placed him on a ventilator.”

As the patient began stabilizing, doctors observed weakness on his left side. An MRI revealed he had suffered a stroke, a rare complication of viper bites. “We immediately started treatment with blood thinners and intensive physiotherapy,” Dr. Gupta added.

After nearly 16 days of close monitoring and care, the boy was discharged in stable condition and continues to recover with rehabilitation.

Highlighting the broader issue, Dr. Aklesh Tandekar, Head Consultant – Critical Care at the hospital, stressed the importance of awareness and reporting. “Snakebites are now a notifiable disease in India. All suspected and confirmed cases must be reported by healthcare facilities,” he said.