Tetanus
What is Tetanus ?
Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw. Severe complications of tetanus can be life-threatening. There’s no cure for tetanus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.
Because of the widespread use of vaccines, cases of tetanus are rare in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The disease remains a threat to people who aren’t up to date on their vaccinations. It’s more common in developing countries.
Symptoms
- Painful muscle spasms
- Stiff, immovable muscles in your jaw
- Tension of muscles around your lips
- Painful spasms and rigidity in your neck muscles
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rigid abdominal muscles
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
Cause
The bacterium that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. The bacterium can survive in a dormant state in soil and animal feces. It’s essentially shut down until it discovers a place to thrive. When the dormant bacteria enter a wound — a condition good for growth — the cells are “awakened.” As they are growing and dividing, they release a toxin called tetanospasmin. The toxin impairs the nerves in the body that control muscles.
Risk Factors
The greatest risk factor for tetanus infection is not being vaccinated or not keeping up with the 10-year booster shots. Other factors that increase the risk of tetanus infection are cuts or wounds exposed to soil or manure. A foreign body in a wound, such as a nail or splinter. A history of immune-suppressing medical conditions. Infected skin lesions in people living with diabetes. An infected umbilical cord when a mother isn’t fully vaccinated. Shared and unsanitary needles for illegal drug use.
When to see a Doctor
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency care. If you have a simple, clean wound — and you’ve had a tetanus shot within 10 years — you can care for your wound at home.