A mother shares a video highlighting the symptoms of tick paralysis to alert other parents. As warmer weather approaches, the risk of tick encounters rises, particularly for families living near wooded areas. While many parents fear Lyme disease, another alarming condition linked to ticks is tick paralysis.
When Jane Thompson noticed her daughter Lily behaving unusually at bedtime, she sensed something wasn’t quite right. “She was hesitant to stand after her bath and needed help getting into bed,” Jane recounted in a widely shared Facebook post. “She seemed fussy, so I ended up sleeping next to her.”
By morning, Lily struggled to walk, prompting Jane to record a video to share with family and friends for advice before heading to the ER. The doctor quickly recognized the symptoms and noted that in his 15 years of experience, he had seen only a handful of similar cases in children. After a thorough check, they discovered a tick embedded in Lily’s scalp. “The doctor informed us that this condition is called tick paralysis, which can also affect pets and can be deadly,” Jane shared. “We were fortunate to catch it early, and it wasn’t anything worse.”
Unlike Lyme disease, tick paralysis is not caused by an infectious agent but by a neurotoxin from the tick’s salivary glands. This toxin can lead to muscle weakness, particularly in children, and may progress to respiratory failure if not treated promptly. “Symptoms typically start with irritability and tiredness, followed by weakness in facial muscles,” explained Companion Vector Borne Diseases.
Fortunately, Lily made a quick recovery. “By the next morning, she was back to her spirited self,” Jane updated. “The only reminder of this scare is a small scab from the tick bite, which should fade soon. She only spent a few hours in the hospital while the doctor monitored her condition.”
Jane emphasized the importance of acting on parental instincts. “If you notice your child is weak or unwell, don’t hesitate to seek medical help, just as we did.” With tick season upon us, regular checks for ticks on children after outdoor play are essential. For added protection, Kids Health suggests dressing kids in protective clothing and using insect repellents containing DEET when they are in grassy or wooded areas where ticks thrive.
“We never thought our experience would gain such attention,” Jane reflected, “but hopefully, it will help other parents and pet owners be vigilant about ticks. I had no idea this could happen. We were lucky to get to the hospital in time.”
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In summary, Jane’s story serves as a vital reminder for parents to remain vigilant about ticks and to trust their instincts when it comes to their children’s health.