Definition:
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning is a rare type of food poisoning that results from ingesting contaminated shellfish.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning is based on clinical presentations with gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms, along with a recent history of eating shellfish. If available, the ingested fish can be tested for the presence of toxins.
Treatment:
Other than symptomatic and supportive care, there are no treatment methods that specifically deal with neurotoxic shellfish poisioning.
Symptoms and Signs:
Common symptoms of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning include: numbness in or around the mouth; a tingling sensation in the mouth; a tingling sensation in arms and legs; poor coordination; gastrointestinal disturbances; and temperature reversal. Symptoms typically present within 1-3 hours after eating the contaminated shellfish.
Causes:
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning is caused by eating or ingesting toxins produced in Gymnodinium breve, an organism commonly associated with red tides. They occasionally proliferate in clams, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish found in the Mexican Gulf and the Atlantic coast of southern USA.
