injuries and poisoning
Mushroom (Toadstool) Poisoning
Early symptoms caused by muscarine containing mushrooms
In poisoning caused by many species ofInocybeand some species ofClitocybe, the toxic substance is muscarine. Muscarine is a chemical that mimics acetylcholine, which is one of the substances the body uses to send messages between nerves (a neurotransmitter). Symptoms, which begin within 30 minutes after eating, may include Increased tearing and salivation Narrowing (constriction) of the pupils Sweating Vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea Dizziness Muscle twitching (fasciculations) Confusion, coma, seizures (occasionally) Although some of these symptoms are serious, most people have only mild symptoms that go away within 12 hours. People with severe symptoms are given intravenousatropine, a drug that blocks acetylcholine, and nearly all people recover in 24 hours. Without treatment, death can occur in a few hours with severe poisoning. 