Tick Bites: Signs of Tick Paralysis
Current as of: November 20, 2017
The inability to move a part of your body (paralysis) as a result of a tick bite is a rare problem. Tick paralysis can be caused by several different types of ticks in North America. The symptoms of tick paralysis are caused by the venom secreted from the female tick during feeding.
Symptoms usually start 4 to 7 days after a tick attaches to your body. Symptoms of tick paralysis include:
If the tick bite is on the head, symptoms of tick paralysis may include:
Most cases occur in children. When these symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately to arrange for care. Removing the tick may be all that is needed to stop the release of the venom and control the symptoms.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofNovember 20, 2017
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