ISSN: 2960-1959
Publisher
Case Reports

Tick Infestation on the Scalp Leading to Misguided Medical Consultation: A Case Report

Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq , 2. Dermatology Teaching Center for Treating Skin Diseases, Sulaimani Directorate of Health, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Kscien Organization for Scientific Research (Middle East office), Hamid Str, Azadi Mall, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq
Dermatology Teaching Center for Treating Skin Diseases, Sulaimani Directorate of Health, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq and Kurdistan Board of Medical Specialties, Runaki Street, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq

Abstract

Introduction

Ticks frequently target wild, hairy mammals and can cause diverse complications when biting humans. This report highlights a case of scalp tick infestation in a child, leading to seeking unrelated medical consultation.

Case presentation

A 7-year-old female presented with a severe headache and neck stiffness for two days. The parents brought their child to a neurology clinic. Then, the patient was referred to a dermatology clinic due to a scalp tick infestation. The patient suffered from severe pain and irritability, making it difficult to tolerate any touch of the scalp. Physical examination revealed a few bleeding points, with a single grey tick (Ixodes species) firmly attached to the scalp. It was gently removed using blunt forceps and after 10 days of follow-up, there were no signs of scalp rash, fever, or lymphadenopathy.

Conclusion

Tick bites on the scalp can present with severe headaches and neck stiffness that may be disguised as other neurological conditions and cause seeking non-related medical consultation.

References

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