Botulism

Overview

To diagnose botulism, your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and check for weak or paralyzed muscles.

Botulism can resemble symptoms of other conditions including stroke, meningitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. So, your healthcare provider may need to do more testing to confirm a diagnosis of botulism.

What tests will be done to diagnose botulism?

To confirm the diagnosis of botulism, your healthcare provider can conduct a test that shows the toxin is present in your blood, stool or vomit. Suspected food samples can also be tested for the toxin.

Other tests your healthcare provider may use include:

Brain scan.
Spinal fluid exam.
Nerve and muscle function tests (electromyography).

The test results can take several days. So, your healthcare provider may begin treatment right away if botulism is suspected.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.