What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Crossed Viper Snake Bite
• Northern Cross Adder Snake Bite
• Vipera Berus Snake Bite

What is Common European Adder Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The common European adder (Vipera berus) is a moderately venomous snake with a wide geographic distribution across Europe (excluding Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), Russia, West and North Asia, including in United Kingdom. There are a few subspecies of Vipera berus. Across Europe, the snake is known by several names such as the crossed viper and northern cross adder
• The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found in altitudes ranging from mean sea level to up to 9,800 feet (3,000 m). It is one of the most widely distributed vipers of the world.. The snake can grow to reach nearly 3.5 feet or so in length, but the mean adult size is about 1.5-2 feet; females are generally larger and darker in coloration than males
• The average size and coloring pattern of the snake can vary from one geographical region to another. The common European adder is a land-dwelling reptile that is seen in many habitats including marshy grasslands/meadows, swamps, bushes, rocky mountains, forests, and forest steppe
• The snake has a flat but moderately stout body with a short tail. It has an oval-shaped head that is distinct from the neck and a blunt snout. The color of the common European adder is mostly light brown with characteristic dark brown zig-zag pattern on the length of the body; young snakes are more red-brown in color with same zig-zag pattern
• Common European adders are nocturnal in nature during the summer months, but diurnal during the colder seasons. The snake mostly preys on small mammals and sometimes on lizards and birds; it can climb small trees and plants too. In general, the snake is timid and docile; although, if threatened or disturbed, it does not hesitate to hold its ground and strike quickly
• Common European Adder Snake Bites can sometimes result in severe systemic envenomation (venom injection) that may result in fatalities without prompt and adequate treatment. The venom is known to contain potent hemotoxins and neurotoxins that can cause moderate to severe bleeding issues, low blood pressure, and respiratory distress
• The signs and symptoms of Common European Adder Snake Bite may include pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by tissue necrosis (rarely), nausea and vomiting, abnormal breathing issues, dizziness, shock, collapse, and rarely paralysis, necessitating immediate treatment
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, respiratory support, and blood transfusions. The prognosis of Common European Adder Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good