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Clinical Findings That May Distinguish Acute Ciguatera Exposure to Other Types of Food Poisoning

Description

Acute ciguatera poisoning can be confused with other forms of food poisoning, especially if someone is not familiar with the condition. A number of clinical findings are relatively unique and can help to suggest the diagnosis. The presence of several of these findings should prompt a search for recent exposure to one of the implicated fish.


 

Clinical findings that can help to distinguish acute ciguatera exposure from other forms of food poisoning:

(1) tooth/dental pain (not explained by existing dental problems)

(2) cerebellar signs including ataxia and tremor

(3) urethral pain or pain on urination

(4) intractable fatigue

(5) insomnia or hypersomnolence

(6) worsening of symptoms after alcohol intake

(7) dysaesthesia (ciguatoxic dysaethesia)

 

Dysaesthesia is a paradoxical sensory disturbance (Bagnis et al) to hot or cold items.

(1) Cold items may cause an unpleasant burning sensation.

(2) Warm items, especially fluids, may be perceived as cold or trigger pain.

 


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