What symptoms occur after a bite from an encephalitis tick? - briefly
After a tick bite, individuals often experience flu‑like signs such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. If the virus progresses, neurological manifestations may follow, including confusion, stiff neck, seizures, or limb weakness.
What symptoms occur after a bite from an encephalitis tick? - in detail
A bite from a tick capable of transmitting encephalitis viruses can initiate a range of clinical manifestations that evolve in stages. Early signs often appear within a few days to two weeks after exposure and may be mistaken for a simple febrile illness.
Initial phase (prodromal)
- Fever, typically 38‑40 °C, sometimes accompanied by chills.
- Headache of moderate intensity, frequently described as throbbing.
- Muscle aches, especially in the neck and back.
- Generalized fatigue and malaise.
- Nausea, occasional vomiting.
- Mild conjunctival injection or photophobia.
Neurological phase If the virus reaches the central nervous system, symptoms become more specific:
- Severe, persistent headache unresponsive to standard analgesics.
- Neck stiffness indicating meningeal irritation.
- Photophobia and phonophobia intensify.
- Altered mental status: confusion, disorientation, or reduced consciousness.
- Focal neurological deficits: weakness or paralysis of one limb, facial droop, or speech disturbances.
- Seizure activity, ranging from single events to status epilepticus.
- Movement disorders such as tremor, ataxia, or involuntary jerking motions.
- Sensory abnormalities: numbness, tingling, or paresthesia in extremities.
Late complications In some patients, recovery is incomplete, leading to persistent deficits:
- Cognitive impairment, including memory loss and reduced attention span.
- Chronic motor dysfunction, such as gait instability or persistent weakness.
- Persistent seizures or epileptic syndrome.
- Psychiatric sequelae: anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
The progression and severity of these manifestations depend on the tick species, the viral strain, host immune response, and the timeliness of medical intervention. Early recognition of the prodromal signs and prompt antiviral or supportive treatment are crucial to minimizing neurological damage.