ABSTRACT
The envenoming syndrome of major clinical significance following tick bites is tick paralysis, induced by neurotoxins in the tick saliva. The principal type of tick envenoming of clinical importance in man is tick paralysis. This will be the major focus of the rest of this clinical discussion. Tick paralysis and fatality due to tick paralysis is more likely in children, particularly those under 5 years. The primary purpose of first aid in envenoming is to prevent the systemic spread of venom from the site of inoculation, and limit any deleterious local effects of envenoming. A particular species of tick may cause tick paralysis (but uncommonly) in one part of its range, but fail to do so entirely in another part of its range. The three elements of treatment of tick paralysis are first, secure adequate respiratory function; second, remove all ticks from the patient, and last, administer tick antivenom.
