Aphasia, Apraxia, and Dysphagia following Viper Envenomation: A Single Case Report

Abstract

Objective: Aim of the work was to highlight unusual complications such as aphasia, apraxia and dysphagia following viper bite. Method: In this case report, a 55 years old male who had developed Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) and Right hemiparesis after an hour of saw-scaled viper bite on his right foot was described. His MRI report revealed chronic infarct in bilateral fronto parietal lobe. Difficulty in speaking and swallowing were observed and the patient was under nasogastric feeding. For assessing speech and language skills, Western Aphasia Battery and Apraxia Battery for Adults-2 was used. Manipal Manual for Swallowing Assessment was used for assessing the swallowing skills. Results: The assessment results indicated that the patient had Broca’s aphasia with Non-Verbal oral apraxia and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Improvement was observed in swallowing and verbal communication skills following speech-language intervention. Conclusion: Aphasia, apraxia and dysphagia were unusual complications following viper bite. Therefore, it is important for a speech language pathologist to have knowledge regarding various causes of stroke for better speech, language and swallowing management