Question: What characterizes the clinical findings associated with tick paralysis?
Answer: The cited reference notes “Tick paralysis, a uniquely tick-borne neurotoxic envenoming, is characterized by an ascending flaccid neuromuscular paralysis with sensory sparing and frequent cranial nerve involvement. Tick paralysis is caused by the dermal injection of salivary neurotoxins secreted primarily by gravid hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) while blood feeding, and often before ovipositing.” These authors also point out that tick paralysis “mimics polio and primarily afflicts children.” (Diaz JH. A comparative meta-analysis of tick paralysis in the United Sates and Australia. 2015 Clin Tox 53(9):874-883)
Posted in Question Of The Day