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Infant botulism - Symptom

Symptoms:

Breathing stops or slows
Constipation
Eyelids sag or partially close
Infant appears "floppy"
Infant doesn't gag
Loss of head control
Paralysis that spreads downward
Poor feeding and weak suckling
Respiratory failure
Tired all the time (lethargy)
Weak cry

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor may note decreased muscle tone, a missing or decreased gag reflex, missing or decreased deep tendon reflexes, and eyelid drooping.

A stool sample from the baby may be examined to check for the botulinum toxin or bacteria.

Electromyography (EMG) can be done to help tell the difference between muscle and neurological problems.

Reviewed last on: 10/8/2007
Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Infant botulism - Symptom

Symptoms:

Signs and tests: