What is tick paralysis and what are its symptoms?
Tick paralysis occurs when an engorged and egg-bearing female tick produces a neurotoxin in her salivary glands while attached to the host. It is mostly found among young children. The symptoms of tick paralysis include fatigue and numbness in the arms and legs. As time progresses, paralysis of the extremities occurs, followed by paralysis of the tongue and face. More severe symptoms include convulsions and respiratory failure. Once the tick is removed, the symptoms will vanish almost immediately.
