Background: Fish envenomation is a ubiquitous presence in the emergency departments (ED) of seaside cities. The Scorpaenidae family includes stonefish and lionfish, which are the most venomous fish among the Red Sea habitats.
Case Presentation: A 26-year-old male presented to the ED at King Salman Armed Force Hospital (KSAFH) with a history of progressive left forearm and wrist numbness and weakness for the last 15 days. Five days prior, he was stung by a fish in his left hand while fishing. Painful erythema and swelling to the site of the sting developed a few hours afterward. His motor power scale was 4/5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the brain and the cervical spine were carried out and no abnormalities were detected.
Conclusion: Scorpaenidae family is seen frequently in the Red Sea, where it may sting incautious swimmers and fishers. Its toxin may cause painful local swelling and erythema, followed by neurological symptoms.
Key words: Fish envenomation, Scorpaenidae, Stonefish, lionfish, Red Sea, neurological
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