Snake that causes paralysis with convulsions: NEET 14
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of venomous snakes that cause paralysis with convulsions, which is a critical aspect of forensic medicine. This involves understanding the toxic effects of snake venoms on the human body, particularly the neurological manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Indian cobra (Naja naja) is a highly venomous snake that causes paralysis with convulsions due to its neurotoxic venom. The venom contains a complex mixture of enzymes, including phospholipase A2, which disrupts the neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, leading to flaccid paralysis. Additionally, the venom contains other components that can cause convulsions by altering the electrical activity of the brain. The combination of these effects leads to the characteristic symptoms of cobra envenoming, including paralysis with convulsions.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Vipers are venomous snakes that cause local tissue damage and necrosis due to their hemotoxic venom, which is not primarily associated with paralysis and convulsions.
**Option B:** Sea snakes are highly venomous, but they cause muscle necrosis and paralysis due to their myotoxic venom, which is different from the neurotoxic effects of cobra venom.
**Option D:** Kraits are also venomous snakes that cause paralysis, but their venom is primarily myotoxic, leading to muscle necrosis and paralysis rather than the characteristic convulsions seen with cobra envenoming.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to differentiate between the effects of different snake venoms, as this can influence the choice of antivenom and the prognosis for the patient. In the case of cobra envenoming, prompt antivenom administration can significantly improve outcomes.
**β Correct Answer:** C. Cobra