system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A well-dressed couple presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of headache, a sensation of floating, and weakness of arms and legs after eating a plate of shellfish 2 hours ago. They mention that they had experienced tingling of the lips and mouth within 15 minutes of ingesting the shellfish. They also complain of mild nausea and abdominal discomfort. On physical examination, their vital signs are within normal limits. Their neurological examination reveals decreased strength in all extremities bilaterally and hyporeflexia. After detailed laboratory evaluation, the physician confirms the diagnosis of paralysis due to the presence of a specific toxin in the shellfish they had consumed. Which of the following mechanisms best explains the action of the toxin these patients had consumed?
assistant
Blockade of voltage-gated fast sodium channels