Self-Diagnosis

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. Please check with a physician OR GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM if you suspect you are ill.

The only way to definitively diagnose the marine and freshwater toxin diseases is by laboratory testing of the contaminated seafood or water/aerosol. There are no tests currently available to test for these toxins in humans.

Therefore, the marine and freshwater toxin diseases are usually diagnosed because they fit a specific profile (exposure, timing of symptoms from exposure, and type of symptoms) listed in the self-diagnosis table.

All of the marine and freshwater toxin diseases should improve if the person is no longer exposed (with the exception of ASP which may cuase permanent memory loss). Therefore, if your symptoms are not improving within weeks of the acute episode of illness, it is important for you and your healthcare provider to consider and seek alternative reasons for your symptoms.