As warmer weather approaches, parents become increasingly vigilant about ticks, particularly if they live near wooded areas. While many are primarily concerned about Lyme disease, there’s another alarming condition related to ticks that parents should be aware of: tick paralysis.
When Sarah Thompson noticed her daughter Mia behaving unusually around bedtime, she sensed something was wrong. “She didn’t want to get up after her bath to put on her pajamas. I helped her into bed,” Thompson shared in a now widely circulated Facebook post. “She was a bit fussy, and I ended up sleeping beside her all night.” By morning, Mia could hardly walk. Concerned, they recorded a video to send to friends and family for advice before heading to the ER.
Upon arrival, the doctor quickly assessed Mia and revealed that in his 15 years of practice, he had seen only a handful of children with similar symptoms—suggesting that a tick was likely the cause. After a thorough examination, they discovered one embedded in her scalp. “This condition is known as tick paralysis. It can also affect dogs and can be life-threatening,” Thompson explained. “We’re grateful we sought help when we did, as it could have escalated.”
Unlike Lyme disease, tick paralysis is not caused by an infectious organism but by a neurotoxin from the tick’s saliva. After a prolonged attachment, the engorged tick transmits this toxin to its host, which can lead to severe symptoms. “In humans, primarily children are affected, with symptoms resembling those seen in dogs. The bites are often located on the head,” reports Companion Vector Borne Diseases. Symptoms begin with irritability and fatigue, progressing to weakness in the facial muscles and, in severe cases, respiratory failure if the tick is not removed.
“Fortunately, Mia is doing much better,” Thompson updates. “It took her until the next morning to return to her usual self. Now, she’s almost completely back to her energetic self, though she does complain about her head itching.” Thompson and her husband were left in disbelief that this could happen to their little girl. “We shared our experience to raise awareness. While this isn’t common, it’s crucial for parents to check for ticks if they notice any weakness in their children or pets,” she added. “The doctor informed us that the type of tick found on her typically doesn’t carry Lyme disease, but we’re still keeping a close watch on her.”
The key takeaway? Trust your instincts when it comes to your child’s health. If something feels off, seek medical attention right away, just as Thompson did. With tick season upon us, it’s essential to routinely check children after outdoor play.
“We never expected our story to reach so many people,” Thompson noted. “But perhaps sharing it will help other parents and pet owners be vigilant about ticks. I had no idea this could happen, and we’re incredibly relieved we got her to the hospital in time and had a knowledgeable doctor.”
To help prevent exposure to ticks, parents should ensure their children wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent containing DEET, especially in grassy or wooded areas.
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In summary, vigilance and prompt action are crucial when it comes to tick paralysis. By being aware of the symptoms and taking preventive measures, parents can help keep their children safe during tick season.