Open AccessDiplopia as the primary presentation of foodborne botulism
Author(s) -
Hamid Khakshoor,
Ali Akbar Saber Moghaddam,
Amir Hossein Vejdani,
Blair K. Armstrong,
Majid Moshirfar
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
oman journal of ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.306
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 0974-7842
pISSN - 0974-620X
DOI - 10.4103/0974-620x.99375
Subject(s) - botulism , medicine , diplopia , clostridium botulinum , presentation (obstetrics) , paresis , paralysis , pediatrics , botulinum toxin , case presentation , surgery , toxin , biochemistry , chemistry , genetics , biology
Foodborne botulism is a serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. Clinically, botulism presents as bilateral cranial nerve neuropathy and descending paralysis. We report a unique presentation of botulism to remind clinicians of this potentially fatal condition. In this observational case report initial evaluation showed only esodeviation. This progressed to unilateral cranial nerve six (CN VI) paresis along with systemic signs. Clinical diagnosis was made based on in-depth history and concurrent symptoms in three other patients. Foodborne botulism presenting as diplopia and unilateral motility deficits is rare and can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist.