From the Research
Typical Findings in Botulism
- Circumoral paresthesia is a common symptom of botulism, which is characterized by a tingling sensation around the mouth 1, 2
- The typical clinical syndrome of botulism refers to the foodborne form, which is characterized by an afebrile acute symmetric descending flaccid paralysis 3
- Botulism is usually associated with symptoms such as blurred vision, dysphagia, and dysarthria, rather than fever or diarrhea 1, 2
- Extensor plantar (Babinski sign) is not typically mentioned as a common finding in botulism, and post-tetanic potentiation is not a characteristic symptom of the disease 1, 3, 2, 4, 5
Differential Diagnosis
- Botulism can be confused with other clinical conditions, such as stroke, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and tick paralysis 3, 2
- Infant botulism can present with atypical initial presentations, including altered mental status, which can make diagnosis challenging 5
Clinical Presentation
- Botulism is characterized by symmetric, descending, flaccid paralysis of motor and autonomic nerves, usually beginning with the cranial nerves 1, 2
- Patients with botulism may develop respiratory compromise requiring emergent airway management, and prolonged neuromuscular blockade can lead to a variety of symptoms requiring comprehensive intensive care unit level care 1