Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. Tetanus bacteria from soil, dust, or manure enter the body through a break in the skin. The infection may result in severe muscle spasms. This leads to lockjaw, which prevents opening or closing of the mouth. Tetanus can be fatal.

Causes

Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Not being immunized to tetanus
  • Not updating tetanus shot regularly
  • IV drug use
  • Age: 50 or older
  • Skin sores or wounds
  • Burns
  • Exposure of open wounds to soil or animal feces

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Headache
  • Stiff jaw muscles (lockjaw) or neck muscles
  • Drooling or trouble swallowing
  • Muscle spasticity or rigidity
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Pain or tingling at the wound site
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heart beat that is irregular, too fast or too slow
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Dehydration
  • Pneumonia (a complication of the infection)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The diagnosis is mainly based on the medical history. Your doctor may culture the wound, but culture results are not always accurate.

Treatment

Treatment may include:
  • Hospitalization to manage complications of the infection (usually 4-6 weeks)
  • Opening and cleaning of the wound, or surgical removal
  • Antibiotics
  • Tetanus immune globulin – antibodies against tetanus that help neutralize the tetanus toxin
  • A tetanus shot, if your tetanus vaccines are not up to date
  • In some cases of trouble breathing or swallowing, a breathing tube may be inserted in the throat to help keep the airway open. In severe cases a surgical procedure called a tracheotomy may be done to provide an open airway.

Prevention

The following may help you prevent Tetanus:
  • Vaccination
    • A series of DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus) shots for children 6 weeks to 7 years of age
    • The Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine every 10 years for adults and children over the age of 7
  • Proper care of wounds
    • Promptly clean all wounds.
    • See your doctor for medical care of wounds.