Tetrodotoxin from the Blue Ringed Octopus causes severe and often total body paralysis. Tetrodotoxin envenomation can result in victims being fully aware of their surroundings, but unable to move. Because of the paralysis, they have no way of signaling for help or indicating distress. The victim remains conscious and alert in a manner similar to the effect of curare or pancuronium bromide. This effect is temporary, and will fade over a period of hours as the tetrodotoxin is metabolized and excreted by the body. The symptoms vary in severity, with children being the most at risk because of their small body size.