Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. A type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani causes tetanus. The

spores

 of these bacteria are found in soil, dust and manure. The spores enter your body through breaks in your skin. Once the spores enter your body, they become active bacteria. The bacteria spread in your body and make a poison called tetanus toxin. This poison blocks the nerve signals from your spinal cord to your muscles. This causes severe muscle spasms. Tetanus bacteria most commonly enter your body through deep cuts or puncture wounds. This includes stepping on a rusty nail or getting a wood or metal splinter Because of the widespread use of vaccines, cases of tetanus are rare in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The disease remains a threat to people who aren't up to date on their vaccinations. It's more common in developing countries.
Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure, and a healthcare professional will determine if a tetanus booster is necessary based on the nature of the wound and vaccination history.
Symptoms

Difficulty opening the mouth

common

Difficulty moving neck

common

Stiff movement

common

Muscle cramps

common

Swallowing difficulties

common

Jaw pain

or Muscle pain

Back neck pain

or Back pain

Excessive sweating

or Rapid heart rate

or Slow heart rate

or High blood pressure

or Low blood pressure

Abdominal pain

Headache

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

Difficulty breathing

Risk factors

No Tetanus Vaccine

Recent Penetrating Trauma or Injury

Treatment
There's no cure for tetanus. A tetanus infection requires emergency and long-term supportive care while the disease runs its course. The disease progresses for about two weeks, and recovery can last about a month. Treatment consists of the following: <b>1- Wound care:</b> Care for your wound requires cleaning to remove dirt, debris or foreign objects that may be harboring bacteria. Your care team will also clear the wound of any dead tissue that could provide an environment in which bacteria can grow. <b>2- Medications:</b> <b>Antitoxin therapy</b> is used to target toxins that have not yet attacked nerve tissues. This treatment, called passive immunization in which a human antibody against the toxin is being injected. <b>Sedatives</b> that slow the function of the nervous system can help control muscle spasms. <b>Vaccination</b> with one of the standard tetanus vaccinations helps your immune system fight the toxins. <b>Antibiotics</b>, given either orally or by injection, may help fight tetanus bacteria. <b>3- Supportive therapies:</b> Supportive therapies include treatments to make sure your airway is clear and to provide breathing assistance. A feeding tube into the stomach is used to provide nutrients. The care environment is intended to reduce sounds, light or other possible triggers of generalized spasms.
Recommended specialist

If you have Tetanus, then a visit to an infectious disease specialist is recommended.

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