Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is a type of paralysis caused by specific types of ticks. Unlike tick-borne diseases caused by infectious organisms, the illness is caused by a neurotoxin produced in the tick's salivary gland. After prolonged attachment, the engorged tick transmits the toxin to its host causing an ascending paralysis resembling Guillain-Barre syndrome. People can experience severe respiratory distress (similar to anaphylaxis). The incidence of tick paralysis is unknown. The diagnosis is entirely clinical and treatment after tick removal is supportive.