Frequency (N = 21) | Percentage | |
---|---|---|
Symptoms at initial ED presentation | ||
History of heroin usage | 21 | 100.0% |
Visible wound | 16 | 76.2% |
Symmetric motor weakness | 14 | 66.7% |
Ptosis | 12 | 57.1% |
Visible abscess | 10 | 47.6% |
Dysarthria | 9 | 42.9% |
Extraocular muscle palsy | 8 | 38.1% |
Surgical wound drainage | 7 | 33.3% |
Descending paralysis | 6 | 28.6% |
Infected abscess | 6 | 28.6% |
Signs of IV or subcutaneous heroin use | 5 | 23.8% |
Diagnostic methods | ||
Blood sample | 11 | 52.40% |
Unclear—antitoxin given | 6 | 28.60% |
CDC consultation—signs and symptoms | 4 | 19.10% |
Unclear | 4 | 19.10% |
EMG study | 3 | 14.30% |