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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Domoic acid poisoning
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Emergency: requires immediate attention

Domoic acid poisoning

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Contributors: Casey Silver MD, Benjamin L. Mazer MD, MBA, Michael W. Winter MD
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Synopsis

Domoic acid poisoning : Diarrhea, Seizures, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramp, Delirium, Generalized weakness, Memory loss, Shellfish ingestion
Domoic acid is the cause of amnestic shellfish poisoning. Severe symptoms of amnestic shellfish poisoning are altered mental status, memory loss, arrhythmias, hypotension, and seizure. Other associated symptoms include gastrointestinal disturbances and focal neurologic signs such as hemiparesis and ophthalmoplegia. Symptoms usually begin about 6 hours after ingestion but may occur as late as 2 days after ingestion. Neurologic and memory symptoms often persist even after the other symptoms of poisoning have improved and can be chronic in some instances.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxic amino acid produced by algae. Humans indirectly ingest the toxin through shellfish. Outbreaks have occurred on the coasts of North America and Europe.

There is no commonly available test to directly detect toxin ingestion. Treatment is supportive.

Codes

ICD10CM:
T61.784A – Other shellfish poisoning, undetermined, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
95878009 – Amnesic shellfish poisoning

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Last Reviewed:02/05/2019
Last Updated:09/16/2020
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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Domoic acid poisoning
Print  
A medical illustration showing key findings of Domoic acid poisoning : Diarrhea, Seizures, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramp, Delirium, Generalized weakness, Memory loss, Shellfish ingestion
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.