Box 1: Clinical characteristics of ciguatera3
SymptomsTime to resolution
Neurologic: Paresthesia (numbness and tingling) in the extremities and around or near the mouth, sensation of temperature reversal (hot–cold inversion),* ataxia, headacheWeeks to months
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping1–4 d (typically ≤ 24 h)
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, heart block, hypotension1–3 d
Other: Myalgia, generalized pruritus, arthralgia, fatigue, dizziness, dysuria
  • * The sensation that cold objects feel hot or result in dysesthesia (abnormal sensation) or vice versa. Although this phenomenon is not present in all patients, it is considered pathognomonic of ciguatera.