Buckthorn Berry Intoxication


Epidemiology


Physiology


Clinical

Neurologic Adverse Effects

  • Demyelinating Peripheral Neuropathy (see Peripheral Neuropathy)
    • Diagnosis
      • LP: normal CSF
    • Clinical
      • Latency of Onset: 5-20 days after ingetsion
      • Course: rapid progression
      • Motor Findings
        • Lower>upper extremity weakness
        • May progress to severe quadriparesis with bulbar and respiartory involvement
        • Cranial Nerves: normal
      • Sensory Findings: mild and distal
      • Pathology
        • Segmental demyelination ± axonal swelling and loss
        • Experimental: axonal loss (motor) is more prominent with systemic experimental administration of toxin
        • Occasional degeneration of skeletal muscle fibers
    • Treatment: supportive care
    • Prognosis: may improve spontaneously over 3-12 mo
  • Muscle Cramps

Pulmonary Adverse Effects

Other Adverse Effects

  • Diarrhea (see Diarrhea)
  • Fever (see Fever)
  • Headache (see Headache)
  • Hepatic Necrosis
  • Degeneration of Cardiac Muscle Fibers: occasional
  • Micturition Difficulty/Urinary Retention

References