As the weather warms up, it’s prime time for parents to start worrying about ticks again. If you live near wooded areas, you’re probably on high alert during these sunny months. While most parents fret about deer ticks and the risk of Lyme disease, there’s another alarming condition that ticks can cause—tick paralysis.
When Sarah Thompson noticed her daughter Lily “acting a bit off” at bedtime, she sensed something was wrong. “She didn’t want to stand after her bath to get into her pajamas. I helped her and tucked her in,” Thompson shared in a now-popular Facebook post. “She was a little cranky, and I ended up spending the night in bed with her.”
By morning, Lily could hardly walk. Concerned, they filmed a video to share with friends and family, hoping for some insight. They then rushed to the ER.
The doctor who examined Lily was shocked, noting that in his 15 years of practice, he had seen just a handful of similar cases. After a thorough hair check, they found a tick. “This condition is called tick paralysis. It can also affect dogs and, in some cases, can be fatal,” Thompson explained. “I’m grateful we took her in when we did and found it before it escalated.”
Unlike Lyme disease, tick paralysis is not caused by an infectious agent. Instead, it’s due to a neurotoxin from the tick’s saliva. Once attached for a while, the engorged tick releases the toxin into its host’s bloodstream. “In humans, it’s mostly observed in children, with symptoms similar to those seen in dogs. Typically, two-thirds of cases occur in young girls. Tick bites usually happen near the head, at the junction of hair and neck. Symptoms start as irritability and weakness, which can progress to serious paralysis if the tick isn’t removed,” elaborated the site, Companion Vector Borne Diseases.
The symptoms can escalate quickly, leaving the child fatigued and restless. “If the tick isn’t removed, respiratory muscles may fail, leading to respiratory failure,” warns CVBD.
In an update, Thompson reported that Lily was recovering well. “It took until the next morning for her to return to her usual self. She’s back to being her sassy little self, although she complains about her head itching.”
Thompson expressed relief and shock over the incident, emphasizing the importance of awareness. “It’s not common, but if your child or pet shows weakness in their limbs, look for a tick! The doctor said the tick we found doesn’t usually carry Lyme disease, but we’re still keeping a watchful eye.”
“Lily is back to her playful self,” Thompson told us. “The only reminder of that scary day is a tiny scab from the tick bite, which will likely be gone soon. We were in the hospital for just a couple of hours. The doctor monitored her and let us finish her recovery at home. It was terrifying, but we’re grateful for the swift diagnosis and that our little girl is healthy again.”
The Takeaway
Always trust your instincts when it comes to your child’s health. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, just like the Thompsons did. And as tick season rolls in, make it a habit to check your kids for ticks after they’ve been outside.
“We never thought our story would resonate this much,” Thompson added. “But if sharing our experience helps other parents and pet owners stay vigilant, it’s worth it. I had no clue this could occur, but we were fortunate to get her to the hospital in time.”
To keep your kids protected from ticks, consider dressing them in protective clothing and applying insect repellent with DEET, especially when they’re playing in areas where ticks are likely to lurk. For more information on safe practices, check out this helpful resource on home insemination, which also covers related topics.
In summary, tick paralysis is a rare but serious condition that can affect children and pets. Being aware of the symptoms and taking action quickly can make a significant difference in outcomes. Always be vigilant during tick season, and don’t hesitate to consult medical professionals if you suspect your child is unwell.