Botulism (“BOT-choo-liz-um”) is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. This toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii bacteria.
What type of paralysis does botulism cause?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins that produce skeletal muscle paralysis. This paralysis affects muscles that help you breathe and move.
Is paralysis from botulism permanent?
The paralysis caused by the toxin usually improves slowly. The medical and nursing care you receive in the hospital is to help you recover. People with wound botulism sometimes need surgery to remove the source of the bacteria and may need to take antibiotics.
How long does it take for botulism to cause paralysis?
All of the symptoms of botulism are the result of nerve paralysis during exposure to the toxin. Symptoms usually begin within one to two days after eating contaminated food.
How long does botulism paralysis last?
Symptoms generally begin 12 to 36 hours after consuming the toxin in food but in rare cases symptoms can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 2 weeks after exposure. Most people recover from botulism but the recovery period can take months.
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