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Table 1 Symptoms at initial ED presentation and diagnostic methods

From: Early diagnosis and critical management of wound botulism in the emergency department: a single center experience and literature review

 

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%

  1. *All other responses were either “no” or “not documented” by the physician