Creatine phosphokinase elevation in a case of tick paralysis.

The results of studies on a case of tick paralysis in a female child are described. The patient was paralysed by a single female specimen of Dermacentor andersoni Stiles attached to the left temporal area of the scalp. Paralysis of the lower limbs, incoordinate respiration and weakness of the arms were evident.The findings on physical examination and the results of diagnostic laboratory procedures are reported and the possible significance of the results is discussed. The only abnormal laboratory finding was an elevated level of plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity occurring during the paralytic phase and persisting for 10 days.