Tetanus is a severe, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound.
What are the Symptoms of Tetanus?
Symptoms may include:
Stiffness of the jaw (also called lockjaw)
Stiffness of the abdominal and back muscles
Contraction of the facial muscles
Fast pulse
Fever
Sweating
Painful muscle spasms near the wound area (if these affect the larynx or chest wall, they may cause asphyxiation)
Difficulty swallowing
How is Tetanus Treated?
Treatment may include:
Medications to control spasms
Thorough cleaning of the wound
A course of tetanus antitoxin injections
A tracheostomy (a breathing tube inserted surgically in the windpipe) in severe cases with respiratory problems
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