Cobra envenomation: an uncommon emergency.

An unusual case involving a cobra snake envenomation is presented. The patient developed transient neurological sequelae during air evacuation to a regional trauma center and required endotracheal intubation. He developed a hypersensitivity reaction to cobra antivenin which responded to diphenhydramine. The bite wound became edematous and necrotic, but responded to conservative therapy. He was discharged on the fifth hospital day and did well.