A Case With Suspected Tick Paralysis

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 26(3); 2008 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2008;26(3): 277-280.

진드기독마비로 의심되는 사지마비 환자

이현의, 권석범 홍윤정 김영은 민양기 조수진 권기한

한림대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실

A Case With Suspected Tick Paralysis

Hyun-Ui Lee

Department of Neurology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Tick paralysis is caused by a neurotoxin secreted by female tick. Characteristic initial manifestation is bilateral flaccid ascending paralysis similar to Guillain-Barre syndrome. The predominant electrophysiological abnormality is a reduction in complex muscle action potentials. Here, we present a 62-year-old man who initially experienced a sudden biting pain on his scalp. Subsequently he developed bilateral lower extremity paralysis that ascended symmetrically involving the upper extremities. Within 2 weeks, the patient showed a full recovery without treatment.KeyWords:Tick paralysis, Neurotoxin, Guillain-Barre syndrome