Health Encyclopedia
Funnel-web spider
Definition
This article describes the effects of a bite from the funnel-web spider. Male spiders are more poisonous than females.
Poisonous Ingredient
- funnel-web spider venom
Where Found
Funnel-web spiders are found in southeast Australia, around Sydney.
Symptoms
Funnel-web spider bites are extremely painful and characteristically cause tingling or numbness in the mouth or lips within 10-15 minutes. These bites can be very dangerous, and have been known to cause all of the following:
- body as a whole
- heart and vessels
- high blood pressure
- rapid heart rate
- respiratory
- difficulty breathing
- eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- skin
- redness around the site of bite
- sweating excessive
- gastrointestinal
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea
- nervous system
- coma
Home Care
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. The standard procedure is to apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite, and immobilize the affected limb to prevent the venom from spreading, if possible.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- the patient's age, weight, and condition
- the identification of the insect if possible
- the time when the bite occurred
Poison Control
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
- Treat the symptoms
- Administer anti-venom
Outlook (Prognosis)
About 90% of people bitten by funnel-web spiders experience only pain and other minor symptoms, and heal well. The other 10%, however, experience enough transfer of venom to cause life-threatening emergency. These bites can be life-threatening, especially in children, and must be treated quickly with anti-venom by an experienced doctor.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
