Why Brown Snake Bites Rarely Cause Paralysis
Understanding the “Brown Snake Paradox” in Simple Terms
Brown snakes (Pseudonaja species) are responsible for more serious snakebites in Australia than any other snake. They are common, widespread, and often live close to people. Despite this, one surprising fact often confuses people: brown snake bites rarely cause paralysis, even though their venom is extremely powerful.
This strange mismatch is known as the “brown snake paradox.”
Brown Snake Venom: Extremely Dangerous, But in a Specific Way
Brown snake venom is best known for causing severe blood clotting problems, called coagulopathy. This can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, internal haemorrhage, and in severe cases, collapse or death if untreated.
What brown snake venom does not usually cause is paralysis. This is unusual because laboratory studies show that brown snake venom contains very powerful nerve toxins.
So why don’t most bitten people become paralysed?
The Key Reason: How the Venom Works in the Human Body
In laboratory tests (usually done on mice or isolated nerve tissue), one of the main brown snake toxins—called textilotoxin—can stop nerves from working. But real human snakebites are very different from lab experiments.
In people:
The venom spreads quickly through the bloodstream
Blood clotting problems develop early
Victims usually receive medical treatment and antivenom before nerve damage can occur
This means that although the toxin exists, it rarely has time to cause paralysis before treatment starts.
Why Paralysis Is More Common in Pets Than People
Interestingly, dogs and cats bitten by brown snakes do develop paralysis more often than humans. There are a few reasons for this:
Pets are often bitten on the face or muzzle, allowing venom to spread faster
First aid is rarely applied immediately
Treatment is often delayed compared to humans
This difference helps explain why paralysis is seen more often in animals than in people.
The Role of Antivenom
Modern brown snake antivenom is highly effective, especially when given early. It:
Stops venom from continuing to damage the body
Reverses blood clotting problems
Reduces the risk of serious complications
Early antivenom use may also explain why paralysis from brown snake bites has become even rarer over time.
What This Means for the Public
The most important takeaway is this:
👉 Brown snake bites are serious, but paralysis is uncommon.
👉 The real danger is blood clotting failure, not nerve shutdown.
This is why immediate first aid and urgent medical care are critical after any suspected snakebite.
Stay Safe Around Brown Snakes
Brown snakes are not aggressive by nature. Most bites happen when snakes are:
Accidentally stepped on
Cornered
Handled or interfered with
If you encounter a brown snake:
Stay still and calm
Give it space to escape
Never attempt to catch or kill it
If a snake is in a home or workplace, contact a licensed professional snake catcher to handle the situation safely.
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