Biphasic botulism diagnosed by electromyogram

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kendirli, Tanıl | Teber, Serap Tıraş | Pekacar, Tuba | Argun, Mustafa | Deda, Gülhis

Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkiye | Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkiye

Note: [] Correspondence: Tanıl Kendirli, MD, Kanzım Orbay Mahallesi, 28. Sokak, 31/9, Akdere, 6100, Mamak, Ankara, Turkiye. Tel.: +90 312 3675058; Fax: +90 312 3620581; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Botulism is an acute, flaccid paralytic illness caused by the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium species. Three forms of botulism are known; infant botulism, food borne, and wound botulism. We report an 11-year-old boy with food borne botulism diagnosed on electromyography. Although his clinical findings improved in 10 days, his symptoms recurred, showing a biphasic course. After 3 weeks, he was symptom free. His electromyography findings were also normal on the 3rd week. After 3 weeks, he was discharged without clinical symptoms.

Keywords: Botulism, cranial nerve paralysis, electromyogram, poisoning

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 127-130, 2006