Tick paralysis

Symptoms:

• history of exposure to ticks such as camping, a tick infested area, dogs or other animals
• finding a tick attached at the back of the neck at the hairline
• unsteady jerky body movements and gait (ataxia)
• muscle weakness beginning in the lower extremities and progressing upwards
• breathing difficulties

Signs and tests:

There may be a history of known or likely exposure to ticks such as camping, living in a tick-infested area, or having dogs or other animals.

Finding a tick embedded in the skin and noting above symptoms confirms the diagnosis. No other testing is required.