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Living with Tick paralysis

A condition in which a toxin from a tick's saliva causes paralysis.

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Understanding Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is paralysis caused by a toxin released from the salivary glands of ticks.

GARD gives very little detail about this condition. The toxin affects the nerves.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. The main feature is paralysis.

  • Paralysis

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What should I do if I find a tick on my skin?
Which symptoms mean I should seek care right away?
Which specialists would be involved in care?

Quick facts

It is caused by a toxin that acts on the nerves and is released from the salivary glands of ticks.

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Tick paralysisGARD ID 7771 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Tick paralysis.

Explore the Tick paralysis blog
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9 Things to Know After Diagnosis

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The Invisible Job: What Caregiving for a Rare Disease Really Looks Like

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Embrace the Ask: How to Seek The Support You Need

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Explore research for Tick paralysis

Explore actively recruiting Tick paralysis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Tick paralysis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Tick paralysis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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