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!Www@Answer-Health@Com
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!Www@Answer-Health@Com
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!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I hope this helps!. If you want more information, you can check out the link I listed below!.Www@Answer-Health@Com