The evaluation of a tick borne illness begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a tick borne illness may include:

• Fever
• Joint swelling
• Joint tenderness
• Rash:
• Rash of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Rash of Lyme disease
• Muscle tenderness
• Neck stiffness
• Leg swelling (unilateral)
• Arm swelling (unilateral)
• Confusion

Testing is usually required to evaluate a tick borne illness.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a tick borne illness include:

• Lyme titer
• Kidney profile
• Blood culture
• Complete blood count
• Serum febrile agglutinin levels
• Lumbar puncture
• Skin biopsy