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Tetanus

A muscle spasm disease caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacterium in wound infection.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus occurs when Clostridium tetani bacterium spores found in soil, animal manure, or dust-containing environments pass to humans through deep or dirty wound infection. The bacterium produces a powerful neurotoxin called tetanospasmin under anaerobic conditions.

Tetanospasmin binds to inhibitory motor neurons and prevents muscle relaxation; therefore, continuous contraction and severe spasms develop. The jaw muscles are affected first (trismus); as the process progresses, neck, abdominal, and back muscles are affected and involvement of respiratory muscles can be fatal.

Tetanus vaccine provides highly effective protection. In case of dirty wounds or puncture wounds, the vaccination status should be evaluated and tetanus prophylaxis applied if necessary.

Symptoms

Jaw locking (trismus) — the first sign
Difficulty swallowing
Stiffness and pain in the neck and back muscles
Stiffness in the abdominal muscles
Sardonic smile appearance with facial contraction
Painful muscle spasms (triggered by noise, light, or touch)
Shortness of breath and risk of death with respiratory muscle involvement

Risk Factors

Being unvaccinated or vaccine expired
Deep, dirty, or puncture-type wound
Injury contaminated with soil or rust
Umbilical cord infection in newborns
Intravenous drug use
Diabetic foot wounds
Burns and crush injuries

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • To evaluate vaccination status after a dirty or deep wound (immediately)
  • When difficulty in opening the jaw or neck stiffness develops (EMERGENCY)
  • After a wound if no tetanus vaccine has been given in the last 5 years
  • If there is feeding difficulty and cramping in the newborn
  • Every person with tetanus symptoms requires intensive care

Treatment Methods

01
Administration of tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG)
02
Tetanus vaccine (completing the booster dose)
03
Wound debridement and cleaning
04
Metronidazole or penicillin (antibiotic for C. tetani)
05
Muscle relaxants (diazepam, midazolam) and mechanical ventilation in intensive care
06
Td booster vaccine every 10 years (prophylaxis)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.