What signs indicate an encephalitic tick bite? - briefly
Typical early indicators include sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and possible vomiting or a rash around the bite site. Progression may present as confusion, weakness, or seizures, indicating central nervous system involvement.
What signs indicate an encephalitic tick bite? - in detail
A tick bite that transmits encephalitic viruses often begins with a painless, red or pink macule at the attachment site. The lesion may develop a central clearing, forming a target‑like appearance, and can persist for several days without significant itching or swelling.
Within a few days to two weeks after exposure, systemic symptoms may emerge:
- Fever ranging from low‑grade to high
- Severe headache, often described as throbbing
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- General fatigue and malaise
Neurological manifestations are the most reliable indicators of encephalitic involvement. They typically appear after the initial febrile phase and include:
- Sudden confusion or disorientation
- Altered level of consciousness, from lethargy to coma
- Neck stiffness suggestive of meningeal irritation
- Photophobia and sensitivity to sound
- Seizures, both focal and generalized
- Focal neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or facial droop
- Tremor, ataxia, or unsteady gait
Additional clinical clues support the diagnosis:
- Rapid progression of symptoms over hours to days
- Absence of a clear alternative cause (e.g., bacterial meningitis)
- Positive serology for tick‑borne encephalitis virus or detection of viral RNA in cerebrospinal fluid
- Elevated white‑blood‑cell count with a lymphocytic predominance in the CSF
- Increased protein concentration in the CSF without a marked decrease in glucose
Prompt recognition of these signs is essential for early antiviral therapy and supportive care, which can reduce morbidity and improve outcomes.