Abducens nerve palsy following a tick bite: a case report

Int J Med Microbiol. 2006 May:296 Suppl 40:304-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2005.12.016. Epub 2006 Mar 9.

Abstract

Neuromuscular paralysis caused by salivary proteins of ticks is a well-known complication after tick bites in Australia, North America, and South Africa. Symptoms may include general weakness, difficulty walking, ascending paralysis, and bulbar paralysis with diplopia, culminating in respiratory failure. In Europe, toxin-mediated paralysis has rarely been noted. We report a case of cranial nerve paralysis with delayed onset after a tick bite in northern Germany.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Animals
  • Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paralysis / etiology*
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / adverse effects
  • Ticks*

Substances

  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides