Letter to the editor Scorpion sting and cerebrovascular complication Dear Editor, the recent report on scorpion sting and cerebrovascular complication is very interesting (1). Basically, the effect of intoxication on the neurological system is an interesting issue in toxicology.

Correspondence: Viroj Wiwanitkit*, Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok 10160, Thailand. E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12176

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Vol 8, December 2013, E58

Focusing on scorpion stings, the raised issue is on the toxic effect on cerebrovascular system. Here, the author would like to share experience on this topic. Based on the data in Thailand on scorpion stings, there is no detected cerebrovascular complication (2). In fact, the main pathology of scorpion sting is the anaphylaxis, and the renal complication is very important (3). The possible neurological complication might be possible in case of acute renal failure, and the uremia might consequently depress the brain. The direct effect of toxin on the brain should be impossible.

Viroj Wiwanitkit1,2,3* 1

Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China 2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia 3 Joseph Ayobabalola University, Ikeji-arakeji, Nigeria

References 1 Del Brutto OH, Del Brutto VJ. Scorpion stings: focus on cerebrovascular complications of envenoming. Int J Stroke 2013; 8:E8. 2 Wiwanitkit V, Suwansaksri J. Arthropod stings intoxication, a 5 – year retrospective epidemiological study in the largest Thai Red Cross Society Hospital. Toxicology. 2005 IUTOX Australia proceeding. 3 Wiwanitkit V. Scorpion sting envenomation. Indian J Pediatr 2011; 78:1021.

© 2013 The Author. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization