Tick paralysis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Tick paralysis | |||
| synonyms = [[Ixodid paralysis]], [[tick-bite paralysis]] | |||
| field = [[Neurology]], [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Muscle weakness]], [[paralysis]], [[respiratory failure]] | |||
| onset = 2-7 days after tick attachment | |||
| duration = Hours to days after tick removal | |||
| causes = [[Neurotoxin]] from tick saliva | |||
| risks = [[Tick bite]], exposure to tick habitats | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, history of tick exposure | |||
| differential = [[Guillain–Barré syndrome]], [[botulism]], [[myasthenia gravis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of tick habitats, use of [[insect repellent]], regular tick checks | |||
| treatment = Removal of the tick, supportive care | |||
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Tick paralysis''' is the only tick-borne disease that is not caused by an infectious organism. The illness is caused by a neurotoxin produced in the tick's salivary gland. After a prolonged feeding, the engorged tick transmits the toxin to its host. The incidence of tick paralysis is unknown. | '''Tick paralysis''' is the only tick-borne disease that is not caused by an infectious organism. The illness is caused by a neurotoxin produced in the tick's salivary gland. After a prolonged feeding, the engorged tick transmits the toxin to its host. The incidence of tick paralysis is unknown. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The first symptoms typically begin in the lower extremities and can progress to paralysis. The most common symptoms include fatigue, numbness and an increasing inability to move. Some may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing and talking. If the tick is not removed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure and eventually death. | The first symptoms typically begin in the lower extremities and can progress to paralysis. The most common symptoms include fatigue, numbness and an increasing inability to move. Some may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing and talking. If the tick is not removed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure and eventually death. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a history of tick exposure. The symptoms usually subside within 24 hours of removing the tick. | Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a history of tick exposure. The symptoms usually subside within 24 hours of removing the tick. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for tick paralysis is to locate and remove the tick. The tick should be removed by grasping it as close to the skin as possible, preferably using fine-tipped tweezers, and pulling it out with a steady motion. Other methods of removal are not recommended. The site of the bite should be cleaned and disinfected. The patient should be monitored for at least 24 hours for signs of paralysis. | The treatment for tick paralysis is to locate and remove the tick. The tick should be removed by grasping it as close to the skin as possible, preferably using fine-tipped tweezers, and pulling it out with a steady motion. Other methods of removal are not recommended. The site of the bite should be cleaned and disinfected. The patient should be monitored for at least 24 hours for signs of paralysis. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of tick paralysis is similar to that for other tick-borne diseases. It includes avoiding areas where ticks are common, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, checking for ticks and removing them promptly. | Prevention of tick paralysis is similar to that for other tick-borne diseases. It includes avoiding areas where ticks are common, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, checking for ticks and removing them promptly. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Tick-borne disease]] | * [[Tick-borne disease]] | ||
* [[Paralysis]] | * [[Paralysis]] | ||
* [[Neurotoxin]] | * [[Neurotoxin]] | ||
[[Category:Tick-borne diseases]] | [[Category:Tick-borne diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Paralysis]] | [[Category:Paralysis]] | ||
[[Category:Neurotoxins]] | [[Category:Neurotoxins]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:18, 3 April 2025
| Tick paralysis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Ixodid paralysis, tick-bite paralysis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | 2-7 days after tick attachment |
| Duration | Hours to days after tick removal |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Neurotoxin from tick saliva |
| Risks | Tick bite, exposure to tick habitats |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history of tick exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | Guillain–Barré syndrome, botulism, myasthenia gravis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of tick habitats, use of insect repellent, regular tick checks |
| Treatment | Removal of the tick, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with prompt treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Tick paralysis is the only tick-borne disease that is not caused by an infectious organism. The illness is caused by a neurotoxin produced in the tick's salivary gland. After a prolonged feeding, the engorged tick transmits the toxin to its host. The incidence of tick paralysis is unknown.
Symptoms[edit]
The first symptoms typically begin in the lower extremities and can progress to paralysis. The most common symptoms include fatigue, numbness and an increasing inability to move. Some may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing and talking. If the tick is not removed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure and eventually death.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a history of tick exposure. The symptoms usually subside within 24 hours of removing the tick.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for tick paralysis is to locate and remove the tick. The tick should be removed by grasping it as close to the skin as possible, preferably using fine-tipped tweezers, and pulling it out with a steady motion. Other methods of removal are not recommended. The site of the bite should be cleaned and disinfected. The patient should be monitored for at least 24 hours for signs of paralysis.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of tick paralysis is similar to that for other tick-borne diseases. It includes avoiding areas where ticks are common, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, checking for ticks and removing them promptly.
