Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is a rare reaction to the bite of several different types of ticks that are found in North America and Australia. It is caused by the venom released from the female tick during feeding.

Symptoms usually start 4 to 7 days after a tick attaches to the body. Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

Restlessness and irritability.
Tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling (paresthesia) that starts in the hands or feet.
An inability to move (paralysis) the hands or feet.

Removing the tick stops the release of the venom and reverses the paralysis.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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