Tick paralysis is a neurologic syndrome that is frequently confusedwith other acute disorders. In this syndrome, ascending paralysisis caused by a potent neurotoxin produced by an attached, engorgedtick. Removal of the tick leads to prompt recovery. Althoughcases of tick paralysis were clearly described almost 90 yearsago in the United States,1 Canada,2 and Australia,3 the syndromeis unfamiliar to many clinicians today. Since a delay in thediagnosis can have devastating consequences, physicians mustbe aware of the salient features of this syndrome. If the diagnosisof tick paralysis is being considered, detection is possiblewith . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Case Report
Discussion
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From the Departments of Family Medicine (M.W.F.), Pediatrics (C.D.S.), and Neurology (T.R.S.), Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Felz at the Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, HB 4032, Augusta, GA 30912, or at mfelz@mail.mcg.edu.
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