Can morels (Morchella sp.) induce a toxic neurological syndrome?

Abstract

Introduction.  Several cases of morel poisoning associated with neurological symptoms have been reported. The objective of this study was to describe this new mushroom poisoning syndrome. Material and methods. Retrospective study of morel poisonings collected in the French Poison Control Centers from 1976 to 2006. Cases were classified as neurological syndrome (NS; tremor or dizziness/inebriation or unsteadiness/ataxia ± associated with gastrointestinal symptoms) or isolated gastrointestinal syndrome. Results. 146 patients presented gastrointestinal syndrome (median time to onset: 5 h) and 129 presented NS (12 h) after morel consumption. Gastrointestinal (67%) and other neurological symptoms were also present (mainly ocular/vision disorders: 26%, paresthesia: 7%, drowsiness/confusion: 6%, and muscle disorders: 6%). These patients more frequently ingested a large quantity of morels. Confusion with Gyromitra was ruled out. Discussion. The NS is very different from the common gastrointestinal syndrome occurring after ingestion of poorly cooked morels and is not limited to a cerebellar syndrome.

Keywords:

• Mushroom
• Morel
• Morchella
• Poisoning
• Neurotoxicity