Trying to make a diagnosis. Any help?!
Question: Trying to make a diagnosis. Any help.?
Two men and a woman present independently to hospitals in a major city, all with similar clinical
signs. Included were descending paralysis, beginning with droopy eyelids and double vision.
One complained of a dry mouth, but the others were unable to swallow. All had infected
subcutaneous lesions, although blood cultures were negative; heroin abuse was suspected. Two
patients survived, although they required long-term supportive care. Epidemiological investigation
in the region revealed more than a dozen additional cases, with five deaths.
1. What are they suffering from.?
2. Why couldn't they focus their eyes.?
3. How can I confirm the diagnosis.?
4. The cases are completely unrelated (no common cause of disease) What is a likely source of the problem.?
thanks guys!Health Question & Answer
signs. Included were descending paralysis, beginning with droopy eyelids and double vision.
One complained of a dry mouth, but the others were unable to swallow. All had infected
subcutaneous lesions, although blood cultures were negative; heroin abuse was suspected. Two
patients survived, although they required long-term supportive care. Epidemiological investigation
in the region revealed more than a dozen additional cases, with five deaths.
1. What are they suffering from.?
2. Why couldn't they focus their eyes.?
3. How can I confirm the diagnosis.?
4. The cases are completely unrelated (no common cause of disease) What is a likely source of the problem.?
thanks guys!Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Sounds like botulism to me. Botulism is caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and causes muscle weakness. This is probably why they couldn't focus their eyes. I think you can test bodily fluids for botulinum toxin, which is what actually causes the disease. The toxin inhibits motor neurons from releasing acetylcholine and signaling to muscle cells.
I hope this helps. If you want more information, you can check out the link I listed below.Health Question & Answer
I hope this helps. If you want more information, you can check out the link I listed below.Health Question & Answer