Removal · field guidance

Tick paralysis: re-check entire scalp for missed tick

When tick paralysis is suspected, do a full scalp and body re-check; the offending tick is often the one nobody saw.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo
  1. 01
    Have someone systematically part the hair section by section with a fine-toothed comb under bright light.
  2. 02
    Run fingertips behind the ears, along the hairline, and over the nape of the neck.
  3. 03
    Inspect axillae, groin, navel, behind the knees, and between toes.
  4. 04
    Any tick found is removed with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight up, then saved for identification.
  5. 05
    Removing the offending tick is the treatment; weakness usually starts improving within hours.
  6. 06
    If no tick is found and weakness continues, work up other causes (Guillain-Barre, botulism) urgently.

Diseases this can help prevent

3 known
AnaplasmosisPacific Coast tick feverTularemia

Wild facts

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