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The Effects of Scorpion Venom

A scorpion uses its venom to capture prey, defend against possible threats and subdue mates during mating. Scorpion venom is comprised of a mixture of compounds including toxins that affect the nervous system. Each species of scorpion has a special mixture of venom that is deadly to its prey, which consists of lizards, mice and insects. However, approximately 25 of the 1,500 species of scorpion around the world possess venom potent enough to pose a danger to humans.

  1. Pain

    • If you are stung by a scorpion one of the first symptoms you'll encounter is a feeling of intense pain, similar to that of a bee sting. The pain typically subsides within an hour and is replaced with numbness, tenderness and tingling. However, in more severe cases the pain might spread to your chest and back. It may even radiate throughout your body and cause tightness.

    Swelling

    • Swelling is another symptom of scorpion stings. In nonsevere cases this swelling occurs around the site of the sting. The swollen area might also feel tender to the touch. However, people allergic to scorpion venom or those stung by highly venomous scorpions may also experience swelling of the face, tongue and throat. Additionally, touching the swollen area around the site of the sting can cause the victim excruciating pain.

    Exposure to Highly Toxic Venom

    • Certain scorpions, such as the bark scorpion of Arizona, can inject large amounts of highly toxic venom into its victims. Humans stung by these types of scorpions may experience more serious effects. This type of sting can cause fever, increased salivation and tearing, nausea and vomiting. The person may also experience disorientation, convulsions, changes in heart rate and breathing and coma.

    Death

    • Scorpion stings can result in death in a small percentage of victims. These deaths are typically the result of stings from species that inject high amounts of toxic venom. They are usually caused by heart or respiratory failure resulting from the venom. Most healthy adults don't die from scorpion stings. However, small children and elderly persons are most susceptible to death from scorpion stings, so medical treatment for them is important.

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