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

• Forest Twig Snake Bite
• Green Headed Vine Snake Bite
• Thelotornis Kirtlandii Snake Bite

What is Northern Twig Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The northern twig snake (Thelotornis kirtlandii) is a very slender-bodied snake that may range in size from nearly 3.5 feet to above 5.5 feet in length. The snake is found in several nations lying in the central region of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a venomous snake that belongs to the largest snake family termed Colubridae. According to some literature, the northern twig snake may rarely cause lethal bites
• It is generally an arboreal reptile, meaning it is a tree-dwelling snake that is usually found in trees (lower branches), low shrubs, thickets, and reedbeds; it is active during the day (diurnal). The snake inhabits thick woodlands, rainforests, and grassy meadows (glades) around fields and farms, and parks and gardens
• The northern twig snake is an ambush predator that mainly feeds on lizards, frogs, small snakes, and occasionally birds. The snake is known to tightly hold on to its prey after biting till it dies, and then swallow it whole, while hanging upside down. Sometimes, the snake is known to descend to the ground in rapid pursuit of its prey
• The northern twig snake has a flattened, lance-shaped head (with pointed snout) that is distinct from its neck, a thin body, and a very long tail. The snake is usually seen in shades of grey, brown, to pink with ill-defined dark blotches and crossbands. The snake’s head is typically bright green with large eyes and keyhole-shaped pupils; its tongue is bright orange with a black tip
• Human contact with the northern twig snake is not uncommon, and bites have been reported. The snake is very timid and relies on its slow (to absent) movement and heavy camouflage to remain undetected. Although extremely shy, the snake is easily disturbed and as a warning sign, can puff up its neck vertically to display bright colors and protrude its orange and black tongue. On severe provocation, the snake is known to strike swiftly and viciously
• Northern Twig Snake Bites can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection through a bite) and be potentially lethal. The bite results in mild local effects and non-specific systemic symptoms, including massive bleeding. The venom effect on humans are known to manifest following a delay of a few hours to even 48 hours (after the snakebite)
• The snake venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins. The signs and symptoms of Northern Twig Snake Bite may include pain and swelling in the affected region, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, seizures, and collapse. Complications may include internal bleeding, severe coagulopathy, and kidney damage
• Currently, no specific antivenom (or antivenin) is available for Northern Twig Snake Bites. Symptomatic treatment is mainly supportive and includes wound care, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; fatalities from severe envenomation is highly uncommon