Ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood.
It is during this feeding process that the toxin enters the bloodstream. Paralysis may cause loss of respiratory ability and ventilatory assistance may become necessary. A thorough search of the skin for ticks following an outing and removal of any found will prevent tick paralysis. As a rule, if children are discovered to have ticks, it is a good idea to write the information down and keep it for several months. Finding a tick embedded in the skin and noting above symptoms confirms the diagnosis.