What does an encephalitis tick cause? - briefly
An encephalitis‑transmitting tick can inoculate humans with viruses (e.g., Powassan, tick‑borne encephalitis virus) that cause inflammation of the brain. Resulting symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, confusion, and potential long‑term neurological impairment.
What does an encephalitis tick cause? - in detail
A tick capable of transmitting encephalitis introduces viral particles into the host’s bloodstream during feeding. The immediate consequence is the onset of an acute febrile illness, often accompanied by headache, muscle aches, and malaise. Within several days, the virus may cross the blood‑brain barrier, leading to inflammation of the central nervous system.
Neurological manifestations can include:
- High‑grade fever and chills
- Severe headache, sometimes described as “throbbing”
- Neck stiffness and photophobia
- Altered mental status ranging from confusion to coma
- Focal neurological deficits such as weakness, tremor, or seizures
- Cranial nerve palsies, particularly affecting facial muscles
Laboratory findings typically reveal lymphocytic pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid, elevated protein levels, and normal glucose concentrations. Imaging studies may show diffuse cerebral edema or focal lesions, especially in the basal ganglia, thalamus, or brainstem, depending on the viral strain.
Complications arise from prolonged inflammation and can result in permanent cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, or persistent seizures. Mortality rates vary by region and viral subtype, with some strains reaching up to 30 % in untreated cases.
Effective management requires prompt antiviral therapy, supportive care to control intracranial pressure, and vigilant monitoring for secondary bacterial infections. Early recognition of tick exposure and vaccination against prevalent encephalitis viruses markedly reduce disease severity and improve outcomes.