# A Case Report of Delayed, Severe, Paroxysmal Muscle Cramping After Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea) Envenomation

## TL;DR

A woman experienced severe muscle cramps lasting weeks after being bitten by a Chilean rose tarantula, a rare and persistent symptom not commonly reported.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of prolonged, severe muscle cramping following a Chilean rose tarantula bite.

## Key findings

- Severe muscle cramping occurred within hours of the bite and persisted for weeks.
- Standard laboratory tests showed no abnormalities despite ongoing symptoms.
- Medical treatments provided only mild relief, and symptoms resolved spontaneously after four weeks.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.