A person stung by a stingray may show weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headache, fainting, seizures,
groin and armpit pain, muscle cramps and quivering, generalized swelling, paralysis, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and
on rare occasion may die. The paralysis may represent spastic muscle contractions induced by pain, which are a tremendous hazard for a diver or
swimmer.
Pain control should be initiated during the first soaking period. If the pain is severe and persistent, a physician may need to administer
narcotics, inject the wound with a local anesthetic, or apply a nerve block. If the wound is more than very minor, the treating doctor may
administer an antibiotic, then observe the victim for a few hours in order to detect any deterioration in the person’s condition. The doctor may also
order x-rays or special imaging studies, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to locate any suspected retained pieces of spine.
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