ergotism
Contaminated rye sickness
Ergotism is poisoning caused by eating grain contaminated with ergot fungus.
The condition produces two distinct forms: convulsive ergotism causes seizures and hallucinations, while gangrenous ergotism restricts blood flow to extremities, leading to tissue death.
Historical outbreaks were called St.
Anthony's fire.
Some historians attribute the Salem witch trials to ergot-induced hallucinations.
Involuntary muscular contractions
- gangreneTissue death from bloodlessness
- St. Anthony's fireToxic reaction to fungal grain
- spasmsSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- seizuresInvoluntary convulsions or takings
tremors · delirium · paresthesia · vasoconstriction · hallucinations · muscle cramps · vomiting · diarrhea
Toxic reaction to fungal grain
- Salem witch trialsColonial American persecution of alleged sorcerers
- dancing plagueMass involuntary movement hysteria
- Dark AgesPost-Roman European decline
- bewitchmentMagical influence over someone
possessed · mass hysteria · holy fire · famine · chroniclers · Bruegel
Hardy cereal crop
- wheatCereal crop for flour
- barleyGrain for malt
- cerealProcessed grain for breakfast
- harvestGathering mature crops
threshing · granary · bread · spores · crop blight · milling · storage
Agent narrowing blood vessels
- neurotoxicDamaging to nervous system
- poisoningHarmful substance exposure
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
- cytotoxicToxic to cells
Affecting brain and mood
- visionsImagined or prophetic sights
- altered statesModified modes of awareness
- psychedelicInducing altered perception
- tripPlanned travel somewhere
mind-altering · synthesized · consciousness · hallucinations
Insufficient tissue blood supply
- amputationSurgical limb removal
- mummificationPreserving bodies after death
- extremitiesBody's outermost parts
- fingersAppendages of the hand
toes · thrombosis · ulceration · sepsis
convulsions
Involuntary muscular contractions
- gangreneTissue death from bloodlessness
- St. Anthony's fireToxic reaction to fungal grain
- spasmsSudden involuntary muscle contractions
seizures · tremors · delirium · paresthesia · vasoconstriction · hallucinations · muscle cramps · vomiting · diarrhea · headache
St. Anthony's fire
Toxic reaction to fungal grain
- Salem witch trialsColonial American persecution of alleged sorcerers
- dancing plagueMass involuntary movement hysteria
- Dark AgesPost-Roman European decline
bewitchment · possessed · mass hysteria · holy fire · famine · chroniclers · Bruegel
rye
Hardy cereal crop
harvest · threshing · granary · bread · spores · crop blight · milling · storage
vasoconstrictor
Agent narrowing blood vessels
- neurotoxicDamaging to nervous system
- poisoningHarmful substance exposure
- contaminationIntroduction of impurities
cytotoxic · antidote · pharmacology · biosynthesis · toxicosis
psychoactive
Affecting brain and mood
- visionsImagined or prophetic sights
- altered statesModified modes of awareness
- psychedelicInducing altered perception
trip · mind-altering · synthesized · consciousness · hallucinations
ischemia
Insufficient tissue blood supply
- amputationSurgical limb removal
- mummificationPreserving bodies after death
- extremitiesBody's outermost parts
fingers · toes · thrombosis · ulceration · sepsis
ergotismbacterial infection
Illness from harmful microorganisms
salmonellosis · cholera · viral infection · influenza · genetic disorder
ergotismhealth
Condition of body, mind
wellness · good health · soundness · vitality · homeostasis