Learn About Tick Paralysis

What is the definition of Tick Paralysis?

Tick paralysis is a loss of muscle function that results from a tick bite.

What are the causes of Tick Paralysis?

Hard-bodied and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a poison that can cause paralysis in children. Ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood. The poison enters the bloodstream during this feeding process.

The paralysis is ascending. That means it starts in the lower body and moves up.

What are the symptoms of Tick Paralysis?

Children with tick paralysis develop an unsteady gait followed several days later by weakness in the lower legs. This weakness gradually moves up to involve the upper limbs.

Paralysis may cause breathing difficulties, which may require the use of a breathing machine.

The child may also have mild, flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, tiredness).

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What are the current treatments for Tick Paralysis?

Removing the tick removes the source of the poison. Recovery is rapid after the tick is removed.

Who are the top Tick Paralysis Local Doctors?
Family Medicine
Family Medicine
3189 Highway 17, 
Green Cove Springs, FL 
Experience:
21+ years
Languages Spoken:
English

Melia Evans is a Family Medicine provider in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Dr. Evans has been practicing medicine for over 21 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tick Paralysis. Her top areas of expertise are Tick Paralysis, Vaginal Yeast Infection, and Thrush.

Reid F. Johnstone
Allergy and Immunology
Allergy and Immunology

Allergy Partners Of Upstate - Anderson

115 Edgebrook Drive, 
Anderson, SC 
Languages Spoken:
English

Reid Johnstone is an Allergy and Immunologist in Anderson, South Carolina. Dr. Johnstone and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tick Paralysis. His top areas of expertise are Tick Paralysis, Allergic Rhinitis, Grass Allergy, and Sinusitis.

 
 
 
 
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Rudolph G. Johnstone
Allergy and Immunology
Allergy and Immunology

Allergy Partners Of Upstate - Anderson

115 Edgebrook Drive, 
Anderson, SC 
Languages Spoken:
English

Rudolph Johnstone is an Allergy and Immunologist in Anderson, South Carolina. Dr. Johnstone and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tick Paralysis. His top areas of expertise are Tick Paralysis, Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Grass Allergy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Tick Paralysis?

Full recovery is expected following the removal of the tick.

What are the possible complications of Tick Paralysis?

Breathing difficulties can cause respiratory failure. When this happens, the body's organs do not have enough oxygen to work well.

When should I contact a medical professional for Tick Paralysis?

If your child suddenly becomes unsteady or weak, have the child examined right away. Breathing difficulties require emergency care.

How do I prevent Tick Paralysis?

Use insect repellents and protective clothing when in tick-infested areas. Tuck pant legs into socks. Carefully check the skin and hair after being outside and remove any ticks you find.

If you find a tick on your child, write the information down and keep it for several months. Many tick-borne diseases do not show symptoms right away, and you may forget the incident by the time your child becomes sick with a tick-borne disease.

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: April 28, 2023
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Aminoff MJ, So YT. Effects of toxins and physical agents on the nervous system. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 86.

Bolgiano EB, Sexton J. Tickborne illnesses. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 123.

Cummins GA, Traub SJ. Tick-borne diseases. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 42.

Diaz JH. Ticks, including tick paralysis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 296.