Tetanus

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Tetanus

Alternative Names:

Lockjaw

Treatment:

Control and reverse the tetany with antitoxin (tetanus immune globulin).
Give penicillin to kill C. tetani (other antibiotics such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or metronidazole can be used in patients who are allergic to penicillin).
Remove and destroy the source of the toxin through surgical exploration and cleaning of the wound (debridement).
Treat symptoms. Muscle spasms can be treated with muscle relaxants such as diazepam.
Bedrest with a nonstimulating environment (dim light, reduced noise, and stable temperature) may be recommended.
Sedation may be necessary to keep the affected person calm.

Respiratory support with oxygen, endotracheal tube, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The death rate is high in children and in the elderly. Wounds on the head or face seem to be more dangerous than those on the body. If the person survives the acute illness, recovery is generally complete. Uncorrected episodes of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) caused by muscle spasms in the throat may lead to irreversible brain damage.

Complications:

Airway obstruction
Respiratory arrest
Heart failure
Pneumonia
Fractures
Brain damage due to lack of oxygen during spasms

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you sustain an open wound, particularly if you are injured outdoors or if the wound has otherwise been in contact with soil, and you have not received a tetanus booster (vaccine) within five years or you are not sure of your vaccination status.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have never been immunized against tetanus as an adult or child, if your children have not been immunized, or if you are unsure of your tetanus immunization (vaccine) status.

Review Date: 10/25/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.