If I remember correctly, one of the things brown recluse venom does is break down scar tissue. Some people who are bitten by them experience the opening of old wounds, causing bleeding.
One of the things that blocks nerve regrowth in the spinal column after a back injury is - wait for it - scar tissue. My guess is the brown recluse venom broke down the scar tissue that was causing the paralysis, allowing nerves to regrow and giving him back the ability to walk.
Some folks go for Bee Sting Therapy
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/beevenomWho knows? Could be some compounds common to insect venom that are benificial
