Tick paralysis
Background
- Caused by neurotoxin produced by certain ticks in the US and Australia
- most cases have been reported in children
Clinical Features
- Symmetric ascending flaccid paralysis w/ loss of DTRs
- Presentation can be identical to Guillain-Barre including progression to resp paralysis
Diagnosis
- Sensory abnormalities and elevation of CSF protein level do not occur
- Progression and resolution of sx (w/ tick removal) is faster than in Guillain-Barre
Treatment
- Remove the tick as quickly as possible with tweezers
