A MOTHER is warning parents to be vigilant after her six-year-old son was left brain damaged after being bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease.

Doctors told the family for months he had a viral infection until tests eventually confirmed the youngster had Lyme disease.

Amy Mitchell’s son Adam contracted meningitis along with brain and central nervous system damage suffering full facial paralysis left unable to blink or swallow after the tiny bite.

He has been left with additional support needs as he struggles to process information and has coordination and incontinence problems.

The pupil at Auldearn Primary School in Nairn did not suffer any of the symptoms normally associated with a tick bite and no-one knows when it happened.

“This year has been pretty rotten and heartbreaking,” said Mrs Mitchell.

“We could’ve lost Adam, and that’s the frightening thing. We want to tell his story even if just to warn other mums to keep going back to the doctor if they feel something isn’t right.”

The family’s nightmare started in April when Adam became a shadow of his former self.

“He was just really lacklustre,” said Mrs Mitchell.

“He was getting off the school bus with his shoulders slumped and then coming straight home and lying on the sofa under a blanket every night.

“His wee brother was trying to play with him but there was nothing in him.”

Eventually the true cause was discovered and Adam was treated.