A Case Report of Delayed, Severe, Paroxysmal Muscle Cramping After Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea) Envenomation
Introduction
Grammostola rosea (Chilean rose tarantula) is a common exotic pet belonging to the
Theraphosidae (tarantula) family. Case reports of theraphosid bites in adults commonly describe
local tissue damage and local pain. Muscle spasms have also been described as a result of the bites
but are rarer. We present a case of severe and persistent muscle spasms after a G rosea bite, which
is uncommonly reported in the literature.
Case Report
A 42-year-old woman was holding a G rosea tarantula when she was bit on the
forearm. Within hours, severe local muscle cramping occurred. Due to worsening cramping, she
initially presented to the emergency department the day after the bite, and again on the following
day. She was admitted on her second visit and treated with diazepam, cephalexin, diphenhydramine,
baclofen, cefpodoxime, doxycycline, prednisone, and topical hydrocortisone. Her laboratory testing
was unremarkable, and while medical management may have mildly improved her symptoms,
painful cramping persisted. After discharge, her paroxysmal muscle cramping continued for four
weeks before completely resolving.
Conclusion
While local tissue damage and pain are common, G rosea bites may lead to severe
muscle cramping that persists for weeks. Standard laboratory testing may be completely normal in
these cases. Muscle cramps may be persistent and are difficult to manage.
