MS mimic - ciguatera

Hi all

I am seeking to make contact with anyone who has experienced ciguatera toxic poisoning or can point me in the direction of any medical experts. In particular I am keen to make contact with anyone who has experienced persistant and long term neurological symptoms or who recovered from the initial poisoning, however has redeveloped symptoms in the future and suffered from relapses.

Thanks in advance

[essdipity]

Hi again. I had never heard of ciguatera, not that that means anything, except that it's kind of rare in these parts.

A quick look-up told me that it is carried only by certain fish in tropical reefs. Avoiding fish from these areas is the only way to be sure of avoiding the poison. I'm sure that commercially they are outlawed virtually everywhere because of their danger, but naturally anyone can go fishing and eat the catch. Australia, where you're from, seems to have a rather high incidence of ciguatera, not surprising given it's geography/

I repeat all of this not because I think you don't know it, as I'm sure you do. It's for the benefit of others here. Have you been diagnosed with this poisoning? If so, what treatment are you getting? I would think that Australian medical experts would be highly knowledgeable on this subject.

I see that ciguatera can cause ongoing symptoms very similar to those in MS, and so qualifies as another MS mimic. I don't know what tests there are for it, but they aren't performed here in the US.

Good luck in getting the info you need.

ess

[ShadowsSister]

I hope you'll give us all an education about this condition. Ess is one of our "Flower Ladies", they do a great Job....
We have several people in our group who live "Down Under", they might fine your information very useful, one more reason for you to stick around...  ;-)
take care, I look forward to getting to know you...{{{~!~}}}  

[brusha]

Hi all and thanks for your replies.

Ciguatera is very complex, as are many neurological conditions. Although I have built up a wealth of knowledge throughout my journey, there is also so much I dont know.....and similarily so much doctors and experts dont know...... hence my original post.

Ciguatera is considered an MS mimic. It is very difficult to diagnosis, but can be best diagnosed if you seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Relapses can be triggered through consumption of fish (any fish), nuts, alcohol, caffeine amoungst other things, and can reappear months or years later .....certainly worth considering if you are a limbo lander.

I will try gather some easy to read info on this to post a link to if anyone is interested in reading.

[Ciguatera]

I have Chronic ciguatera
I got ciguatera in 1994 - Ciguatera is a neurotoxin the effects the CNS. I an seeing a neurologist and am currently on Cymbalta 60 for nerve pain. Ciguatera is a sodium Ion Channel antagonist. It also more than one toxin and can cause over 175 different symptoms.

Keep researching because due to red tide more attention is being given to Ciguatera treatment and cure.