Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD Educational Pearls: True morel mushrooms are commonly foraged The false morel mushroom (Gyromitra esculenta) looks similar to the true morel, but is toxic False morel mushroom toxicity can cause gastrointestinal symptoms as well as liver failure, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures Seizures can be refractory to benzodiazepine therapy and may require use of…

Author:  Michael Hunt, MD Educational Pearls: Use the mnemonic NOT RECLUSE to rule out a brown recluse spider bite: Numerous bites (recluse spiders will bite once) Occurence (recluse bites between April- October) Timing (recluse spiders are… get this…  reclusive) Red (recluse bites are white/pale) Elevated (recluse bites are flat) Chronic (recluse bites are acute) Large…

Author: John Winkler, MD Educational Pearls: Tall flowering plant with phototoxic sap Direct skin contact with the sap can cause the skin to become photosensitive Severe blisters and even burns can result References Diebel, Matthew (18 June 2018). “Giant Hogweed, a Plant That Can Cause Burns and Blindness, Found in Virginia”. USA Today.