Tetanus (aka lockjaw) is an infection characterized by muscle spasms.

• In the most common type, the spasms begin in the jaw and then progress to the rest of the body. These spasms usually last a few minutes each time, and occur frequently for 3-4 weeks. Spasms may be so severe that bone fractures may occur
• Fever
• Headache
• Trouble swallowing
• HTN
• Tachycardia
• Onset of Sx is typically 3-21 days following infection

• Caused by infection w/ bacterium Clostridium tetani
• Bacteria generally enters through a break in skin (e.g. cut, puncture wound by a contaminated object)
• Bacteria commonly found in soil, dust and manure
• Bacteria produces toxins that interfere with muscle contractions, resulting in the typical Sx

• Clinical Dx based on Sx

• Prevention, w/ proper immunization w/ the tetanus vaccine
• In those w/ a significant wound and <3 doses of the vaccine, both the immunization and tetanus immune globulin are recommended
• In a confirmed infectino, tetanus immune globulin, or if not available, IV IG is used
• Wound should be cleaned and any dead tissue removed
• Muscle relaxants, to control spasms
• Mechanical ventilation, if a Pt's breathing is affected

• It may take months to recover
• About 10% of those infected die

• Doesn't spread between people
• Occurs in all parts of the world, but is most frequent in hot and wet climates, where the soil contains a lot of organic matter
• Caused 59k deaths in 2013, down from 356k in 1990

• Trismus (another meaning of lockjaw)