Botulism is an extremely rare neuromuscular disorder, caused by botulinum toxin which is produced by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It has several forms: classic foodborne, infantile, wound, intestinal, and iatrogenic forms. The presentation is often acute and severe but may be occasionally subacute and moderate. The diagnosis may be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. This case presents an adult with classic foodborne botulism and highlights the clinical and electrodiagnostic findings that distinguish this disorder from other neuromuscular junction disorders including myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Specifically, the findings on repetitive nerve stimulation are discussed and distinguished from the results seen in other neuromuscular junction disorders.
