Premium
Botulism in the Elderly
Author(s) -
Kinzel Terry
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1984.tb06307.x
Subject(s) - medicine , botulism , ptosis , diplopia , weakness , surgery , pediatrics , biology , genetics
Two cases of type A botulism in elderly patients are presented, followed by an overview of the disease. Typical features demonstrated by these patients included home food preservation, multiple cases, and early GI tract symptoms followed by diplopia, ptosis, generalized weakness, and respiratory impairment while sensation and deep tendon reflexes remained intact. Fatal outcomes are more likely in the elderly. The CDC should be contacted early in cases of suspected botulism.