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Related Experiment Videos

Tick paralysis: atypical presentation, unusual location.

Reza J Daugherty1, Jill C Posner, Fred M Henretig

  • 1Department of Pediatrics The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. daugherty@email.chop.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|October 11, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Two unusual cases of tick paralysis occurred in the Philadelphia region. Early diagnosis and tick removal are crucial for avoiding misdiagnosis and patient harm.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Toxicology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Tick paralysis is a rare neurological disorder caused by toxins secreted by ticks.
  • The Northeastern United States is not a typical endemic region for this condition.

Observation:

  • Two unrelated cases of tick paralysis presented within a two-month period in the greater Philadelphia region.
  • The first patient exhibited an atypical early onset of bulbar palsies.
  • The second patient presented with ascending paralysis.

Findings:

  • The occurrence of two cases, including an atypical presentation, in an unusual geographic area suggests a potential underdiagnosis.
  • Prompt identification and removal of the tick are key diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

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Implications:

  • Clinicians in regions where tick paralysis is uncommon should maintain a high index of suspicion for acute onset of cranial nerve dysfunction or muscle weakness.
  • Early diagnosis and tick removal can prevent misdiagnosis and reduce patient morbidity.