title: Tick toxicosis in North America.
abstract: This is a case presentation and review of an uncommon disorder, tick toxicosis. The history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment are discussed. This disorder was mentioned in diaries from the early 1800s and has been reported in 18 states and the District of Columbia. A review of 70 cases reveals that the typical patient is a female child who develops leg weakness, irritability, or clumsiness. The exact site at which the toxin induces the paralysis is unknown. Removal of the tick usually reverses the paralysis within hours. Confusing tick toxicosis with other disorders may occur, and death has resulted. This article will remind physicians to consider tick toxicosis when seeing patients with acute ataxia or ascending paralysis and to, perhaps, prevent death from an easily treatable disorder.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009656:North America; D013986:Tick Toxicoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014118:Toxins, Biological
chemical_list: D014118:Toxins, Biological