Botulism differential diagnosis: Difference between revisions
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Physicians may consider the diagnosis if the patient's history and physical examination suggest botulism. However, these clues are often not enough to allow a diagnosis of botulism. Other diseases such as the following can appear similar to botulism, and special tests may be needed to exclude these other conditions. | Physicians may consider the diagnosis if the patient's history and physical examination suggest botulism. However, these clues are often not enough to allow a diagnosis of botulism. Other diseases such as the following can appear similar to botulism, and special tests may be needed to exclude these other conditions. | ||
*[[Guillain-Barré syndrome]] | *[[Guillain-Barré syndrome]] | ||
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*[[Nerve conduction]] test ([[electromyography]], or EMG) | *[[Nerve conduction]] test ([[electromyography]], or EMG) | ||
*[[Edrophonium]] Chloride (Tensilon) test for myasthenia gravis. | *[[Edrophonium]] Chloride (Tensilon) test for myasthenia gravis. | ||
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The most direct way to confirm the diagnosis is to demonstrate the botulinum toxin in the patient's [[blood plasma|serum]] or stool by injecting serum or stool into mice and looking for signs of botulism that can be blocked by specific antisera. | The most direct way to confirm the diagnosis is to demonstrate the botulinum toxin in the patient's [[blood plasma|serum]] or stool by injecting serum or stool into mice and looking for signs of botulism that can be blocked by specific antisera. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 17:40, 7 June 2012
Physicians may consider the diagnosis if the patient's history and physical examination suggest botulism. However, these clues are often not enough to allow a diagnosis of botulism. Other diseases such as the following can appear similar to botulism, and special tests may be needed to exclude these other conditions.
These tests may include:
- Brain scan
- Cerebrospinal fluid examination
- Nerve conduction test (electromyography, or EMG)
- Edrophonium Chloride (Tensilon) test for myasthenia gravis.
The most direct way to confirm the diagnosis is to demonstrate the botulinum toxin in the patient's serum or stool by injecting serum or stool into mice and looking for signs of botulism that can be blocked by specific antisera.