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A Rare Differential Diagnosis in Dysphagia: Wound Botulism
Author(s) -
Preuss Simon Florian,
Veelken Florian,
Galldiks Norbert,
Klussmann Jens Peter,
Neugebauer Peter,
NoldenHoverath Silke,
Huttenbrink KarlBernd
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000214868.76123.a4
Subject(s) - dysphagia , medicine , dysarthria , botulism , diplopia , differential diagnosis , ptosis , weakness , paralysis , surgery , rare disease , botulinum toxin , blurred vision , pediatrics , anesthesia , disease , audiology , biology , genetics , pathology
The incidence of wound botulism is increasing dramatically among intravenous drug users. Efficient intensive care and early treatment with antitoxin is essential to avoid lethal courses. The clinical picture of botulism is of descending, symmetric, flaccid paralysis. Early symptoms include cranial nerve palsies resulting in blurred vision and diplopia, difficulty in focusing, ptosis, facial weakness, dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria. Because patients presenting with dysarthria and dysphagia will often be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist initially, this rare but upcoming neurologic disease must be considered in the differential diagnoses.