Tetanus

Infectious Disease

Overview

Definition

Bacterial infection causing severe muscle spasms.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Clostridium tetani neurotoxin (tetanospasmin).

Clinical Symptoms

  • Trismus (lockjaw)
  • risus sardonicus
  • opisthotonos
  • muscle spasms.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Clinical diagnosis.

Management

  • Tetanus immune globulin (TIG)
  • Metronidazole
  • Diazepam for spasms.

Complications

  • Respiratory failure.