Tetanus (lockjaw)
About Tetanus (lockjaw)
Tetanus commonly known as `lockjaw` is a very serious illness caused by the Clostridium tetani (C. tetani). The C. tetani bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. This bacterium enters body through a contaminated deep cut or from a puncture wound. As the infection progresses it produces a neurotoxin which causes the body to develop severe, painful muscle spasms. Tetanus is a medical emergency and should be seen at a hospital. Without immediate treatment can result in death.Symptoms
Early symptoms involve painful muscle contractions and jaw spasms. As the infection progresses the neurotoxins can affect other parts of the body including the chest, neck, back, abdominal muscles and buttocks. Symptoms may first appear anytime from a few days to several weeks after the bacteria enters the body through the contaminated wounds. More serious symptoms may include involvement of breathing muscles, which can lead to respiratory failure the most common symptom leading to death.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. There is no specific blood test or imaging study that can accurately lead to the diagnosis of the condition. The diagnosis is considered after other conditions that can present with similar symptoms are excluded such as meningitis, rabies or Botulinus. Cultures can be obtained if the patient presents with a secreting wound in order to attempt to isolate the bacteria.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Tetanus is a medical emergency and should be seen at a hospital. Treatment options depends on the severity of the symptoms. If symptoms are mild, the infected wound is cleaned with debridement to avoid any further progression of the condition. Immune globin should be administered within 24 hours of presentation of the symptoms. Immune globin contains antitoxin that neutralizes the tetanus toxin, helping to prevent any further penetration of the neurotoxin. Muscle spasms are also treated with common muscle relaxers such as Valium or Ativan. Antibiotics are given if suspicion of an ongoing wound infection. If more serious symptoms are present that affect the ability for the patient to breath and/or swallow, the patient can be sedated, paralyzed with mechanical venation (intubation) in the intensive care unit (ICU) until serious symptoms subside. Symptoms on average may last 3-4 weeks, but complete rehabilitation may take several months. Once the condition begins to improve, shots are scheduled to restore tetanus immunity.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Tetanus (lockjaw).