User:Mr. Ibrahem/Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is a neurological condition that begins with tiredness, and progresses to poor ability to walk and muscle weakness as a result of certain tick bites. Weakness starts in the legs and moves up the body. Fever and rash do not generally occur. Onset generally requires the tick to be attached for two to seven days. Complications can include respiratory failure.

While more than 40 types of type ticks are implicated, in North America the American dog tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick are most commonly involved while in Australia it is the Australian paralysis tick. The underlying mechanism involves neurotoxin produced in female tick's salivary gland. Diagnosis is by a thorough examination to find the tick. It is a type of tick-borne illness.

Treatment involves supportive care and removing the tick. Supportive care may include mechanical ventilation. Prevention is by avoiding tick bites such as by applying permethrin to clothing and using DEET. Full recovery occurs within a few hours to days of the ticks removal.

Tick paralysis is rare. Cases, when they do occur, are most frequent in North America and Australia. Children are more commonly affected than adults. The condition was first described in the 1800s. Other animals may also be affected.