You are in Medical Library . A paralysis in children resulting from a tick bite .
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. There may be a history of known or likely exposure to ticks such as camping, living in a tick-infested area, or having dogs or other animals. Finding a tick embedded in the skin and noting above symptoms confirms the diagnosis. No other testing is required.