Misc toxiNology

Question 1

Answer 1

PARALYSIS TICK

WHERE
East coast Aus plus Tas
Scrub and bushland

CLINICAL
Mostly children <3

Symptom onset 4-5 days afterattachment
Ataxia, lethargy, then:
—> ascending paralysis incl up to cranial nerves.

MANAGEMENT
First aid:
- Remove low down, forceps, steady traction

Supportive- may include tubing

Don’t need to observe after removal, if asymptomatic

*Ticks also vectors: babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme etc.)

Question 2

Which animals cause ASC vs DESC paralysis?

Answer 2

Snakes and blue ringed octopus:
Desending

Paralysis tick
Ascending