A REVIEW ON VṚŚCIKA AND ITS TYPES

Abstract

Scorpion bite is a common global public health problem in many countries. The estimated annual number of scorpion stings is 1.2 million leading to 32,250 death per year. There are about 1500 species of scorpions worldwide, out of these 50 are dangerous to humans. In India among 86 species, Mesobuthus tamulus (Indian red scorpion) and Heterometrus bengalensis (Indian black scorpion) are commonly responsible for envenomation of medical importance. Ayurvedic classics have considered Vṛścika as one of the types of kīṭa which possess ability to produce fatal signs and symptoms just like Sarpa. Vṛścika visa has been described in detail in ayurvedic literature under kīta viśa. Severe pain, sharp burning sensation, swelling and erythema are the clinical manifestation in Vṛścikadamśa. Immediate acute pain at the site of the sting is an essential factor for the rapid search of medical care in Vṛścikadamśa. Vṛścika types along with its symptoms, severity is very well explained in our classics and keraliya vishachiktsa grandhas which remains unexplored.

Keywords: Kīṭa, Kīta viśa, Vṛścika, Vṛścika visa, Scorpion