What should you do if bitten by a tick, what are the encephalitis symptoms? - briefly
Immediately remove the tick with fine tweezers, grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight upward; clean the bite site, watch for fever or rash, and obtain medical evaluation promptly. Typical encephalitis manifestations are abrupt high fever, intense headache, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, and potential paralysis.
What should you do if bitten by a tick, what are the encephalitis symptoms? - in detail
If a tick attaches to the skin, remove it promptly. Grasp the head or mouthparts with fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After extraction, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic and wash your hands. Record the date of the bite, the tick’s estimated size, and the location of the attachment. Monitor the area for several weeks; a red expanding rash (erythema migrans) may appear within 3–30 days and signals possible Lyme disease, requiring medical evaluation. Seek professional care immediately if you develop fever, severe headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or neurological signs.
Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, presents with a distinct constellation of symptoms. Typical manifestations include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe, persistent headache
- Neck stiffness
- Altered consciousness (confusion, lethargy, or coma)
- Focal neurological deficits (weakness, numbness, or speech disturbances)
- Seizures
- Photophobia or visual disturbances
- Nausea and vomiting
In pediatric cases, irritability, excessive crying, or a decline in developmental milestones may be the primary clues. The onset is often rapid, progressing over hours to days. Early recognition and immediate hospitalization are essential, as encephalitis can lead to permanent neurological damage or death without timely antiviral or antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and intracranial pressure management.