Living with Botulism
A serious infection from a bacterial toxin that weakens or paralyzes muscles.
Understanding Botulism
People are usually infected by eating contaminated food or through a contaminated wound. The toxin leads to muscle paralysis, which can affect breathing. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Double vision
- Trouble swallowing and speaking
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Dry mouth and constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, or belly pain
- Breathing difficulty
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and eye disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with The Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. People are usually infected by eating contaminated food or through a wound.
Also known as: botulism poisoning; infection caused by clostridium botulinum; infection due to clostridium botulinum; lame sickness
Patient organizations
- The Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention ProgramBotulism · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Botulism.
Explore research for Botulism
Explore actively recruiting Botulism studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Botulism with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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