Envenomation by Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) with cranial nerve disturbances.

The Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) is an opisthoglyphous snake rarely implicated in human envenomation because the anatomy of its venom apparatus is generally unsuitable for venom delivery to large mammals. The authors report one case of human envenomation by the Montpellier snake in Southern France. Envenomation occurred under exceptional circumstances (finger of patient inserted deeply into the mouth of the reptile). The clinical picture was dominated by neurological symptoms (ptosis, oculomotor paralysis). The patient recovered in 6 days with symptomatic treatment.