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Ticks

Definition

This article describes the effects of a tick bite.

Poisonous Ingredient

tick venom

Where Found

ticks
related species

Symptoms

Ticks can be the source of several diseases including:

The symptoms below refer more to the problems resulting from the bite itself, not the diseases it may cause. Some of the symptoms are specific to one variety of tick or another but not necessarily common to all ticks.

body as a whole
- weakness
- incoordination
- paralysis
- severe pain at bite site (some varieties), lasting for several weeks
- swelling at bite site (some varieties)
respiratory
- difficulty breathing
- apnea (breathing stopped)

Home Care

Remove the tick (see tick bite). Be careful not to leave the head embedded in the skin.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the insect
the time the bite occurred
the part of the body affected

Poison Control

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.

If possible, bring the insect to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The symptoms will be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most tick bites are harmless. The outcome will depend on what type of infection the tick may have been carrying and how soon appropriate treatment was begun.

Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.