Tetrodotoxin is found in the liver, intestines, and gonads of puffer fish. When the fish is eaten, the toxin can be absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. Symptoms of tetrodotoxin poisoning can begin within minutes or hours of eating the fish.
The numbness of the lips is a common early symptom of tetrodotoxin poisoning. This numbness is caused by the toxin's effect on the nerves that supply the lips. As the toxin spreads, it can also cause numbness in the tongue, throat, and face.
In addition to numbness, tetrodotoxin poisoning can also cause a variety of other symptoms, including:
* Difficulty breathing
* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Abdominal pain
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Paralysis
Tetrodotoxin poisoning is a medical emergency. If you think you may have been poisoned by tetrodotoxin, seek medical attention immediately.