| You undoubtedly have heard of the stun gun as a | | | | high-voltage, low-amperage electrical sources (such as |
| self defense or personal protection device. They are | | | | the current from a small engine battery) to shock |
| carried by law enforcement agencies around the | | | | snakebites. This method is used in these areas |
| world and today are quite popular among private | | | | because there are practical problems in obtaining |
| citizens looking for an easy and non-lethal way to | | | | anti-venom quickly enough to treat bites. |
| defend themselves in case of attack. There are | | | | There is science to back up this unique use of stun |
| some unusual uses for them that you're probably not | | | | devices, though the current scientific literature is |
| aware of, though. You shouldn't try these yourself, | | | | inconclusive. The use of electroshock to treat |
| but it's interesting to think about this device being | | | | venomous bites was recognized within the scientific |
| used for purposes far beyond its invaluable self | | | | community during the 1980s. However, other studies |
| defense features. | | | | have found that venom injected into animals could |
| Stun guns have recently been tested for the | | | | not be successfully treated using this method. Those |
| treatment of brown recluse bites. This poisonous | | | | who believe in this treatment method argue that |
| spider's venom can apparently be stopped by one | | | | because the venom of the brown recluse spider |
| second of shock from the stun device, placed | | | | penetrates deep into the tissue, it is necessary to |
| directly on the bite area. Several physicians around | | | | use a stun gun device, which provides a deeper |
| the world are known to have used this method | | | | shock than surface-only shock devices. Incidentally, |
| repeatedly with success. Dr. Stan Abrams, one of the | | | | this is one of the reasons why it is so effective at |
| proponents of stun gun treatment for such bites, | | | | stopping attackers. In addition, the stun gun is |
| recommends a pattern of five or six shocks from | | | | believed to inactivate the enzymes in the venom, |
| 100,000 volt stun device (the type frequently sold | | | | inhibiting the venom's attack. Those who have used |
| for self protection) across the bite region. He has | | | | these treatments for bites often claim that the pain |
| used them to treat hundreds of patients in Texas | | | | has disappeared, leaving no bite reaction. |
| for brown recluse bites. Those who use his methods | | | | Though these methods are certainly an interesting |
| have also tried them for the treatment of wasp | | | | use for stun guns, trying these methods is not |
| stings, tick bites, and other insect stings. Whether | | | | recommended unless you have been trained in the |
| this method works is said to depend on the | | | | use of stun guns in such situations. Stun guns should |
| individual's biochemistry, the severity of the bite, and | | | | never be used except in the case of an imminent |
| the length of time between the bite and the stun | | | | violent confrontation. The improper use of stun guns |
| treatment. | | | | can cause pain or detrimental health effects, |
| Missionaries in remote regions, particularly in Africa, | | | | particularly in those with underlying heart conditions. |
| have also been using stun guns and other | | | | |