A tick bit me, my head hurts, what should I do? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine tweezers, clean the site with antiseptic, and keep the area dry. If you develop fever, a rash, escalating headache, or other systemic symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.
A tick bit me, my head hurts, what should I do? - in detail
A tick attachment that is followed by head discomfort requires prompt attention.
First, detach the arthropod safely. Use fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the body. After removal, cleanse the bite site with alcohol or soap and water.
Next, observe symptoms. Record the time of the bite, the tick’s estimated stage (larva, nymph, adult), and any changes such as fever, rash, neck stiffness, or worsening headache.
Seek professional evaluation if any of the following appear:
- Fever ≥ 38 °C (100.4 °F)
- Expanding red rash, especially a bull’s‑eye pattern
- Persistent or intensifying headache
- Joint pain, muscle aches, or fatigue
- Neurological signs (confusion, dizziness, vision changes)
Medical assessment may include serologic testing for Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or other tick‑borne infections, and treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Prevent future incidents by:
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers in tick‑infested areas
- Applying EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin
- Conducting full‑body checks after outdoor activities, focusing on scalp, neck, and behind ears
- Removing attached ticks promptly
Prompt removal, thorough monitoring, and timely medical consultation reduce the risk of serious complications.