Botulism physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Michael Maddaleni, B.S.
Overview
Botulism can be categorized based on the route of transmission. The Clostridium botulinun bacteria can be transmitted through food, by inhalation, and in a wound.
Physical exam
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. There may be signs of:
- Absent or decreased gag reflex
- Loss of muscle function/feeling
Blood tests can be done to identify the toxin. A stool culture may also be ordered. Lab tests can be done on the suspected food to confirm botulism.
Foodborne Botulism
In a clinical setting, acute gastrointestinal symptoms associated with problematic neurological symptoms could be a strong sign of botulism. Within approximately 12 to 36 hours following the consumption of food contaminated by botulism, symptoms will appear. There is a great variety in how severe the symptoms will be, but it should be noted that it is possible for death to occur within 24 hours. An incubation of approximately 18 to 36 hours is common for the toxin, and depending on the dose, the incubation period can be anywhere from 2 hours to 8 days. The known symptoms can take several days to develop or they can be very abrupt.