What is a common symptom of Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning?

Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is primarily associated with the consumption of shellfish contaminated with harmful phytoplankton that produce neurotoxins. One of the hallmark symptoms of NSP is tingling and numbness, particularly around the mouth and extremities. These sensations are a result of the neurotoxic components interfering with the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as paresthesia.

While other symptoms like nausea, memory loss, and severe abdominal pain can occur with various types of shellfish poisoning or other foodborne illnesses, they are not specifically characteristic of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Nausea is more commonly associated with generic gastrointestinal disturbances, memory loss is not a usual acute symptom of NSP, and severe abdominal pain may indicate a different type of toxic response or illness altogether. Therefore, tingling and numbness stands out as the most appropriate and specific symptom associated with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.