NAJA TRIPUDIANS
Virus of the CobraNaja produces a typical bulbar paralysis (L. J. Boyd). Causes no
hæmorrhage but only œdema, 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 hæmorrhagic
or septic, medicine like Lachesis and Crotalus. Its action settles around the heart;
valvular troubles. Marked surging of blood upwards, marked dyspnœa, 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 (Aur). 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 otorrhœa, black
discharges; smells like herring brine.
Respiratory.–
Grasping at throat, with sense of choking. Irritating, dry cough, dependent on cardiac lesions (Spong; Lauroc) Sticky mucus and saliva. Asthmatic constriction
in evening. Asthma beginning with coryza.
Heart.–
Dragging and anxiety in præcordia. 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
infections diseases. Marked symptoms of low
tension (Elaps, Vipera).
Female.–
Neuralgia of left ovary; often serviceable in obscure
pain in left groin, especially in post-operative 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. Bungarus Fasciatus (Banded Krait). This venom produces a
condition like an acute polioencephalitis and myelitis, both symptomatically and
histologically. Lach; Crotal; Spig; Spong.
Dose.–
Sixth to thirtieth potency.
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