What is Tetanus?
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Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that often leads to painful muscle spasms. Tetanus is sometimes called lockjaw because the jaw muscles are commonly affected in the early stages. This bacteria lives in soil and can enter the body through breaks in the skin. This is a rare condition that can affect any person who is not vaccinated against tetanus and tends to most commonly occur in older people who have not kept up with booster vaccinations.
The typical symptoms of this condition are muscle stiffness, fever, sweating, and painful muscular spasms. The diagnosis can be made based on the symptoms and physical exam in a person who is at risk. Treatment includes antibiotics and antibodies (proteins that fight infection) against the tetanus bacteria and the tetanus toxin. Tetanus can be a life-threatening condition if not treated appropriately.
Risks
Tetanus is a condition caused by a bacteria called Clostridium. This bacteria is found in soil and animal manure. It enters the body through cuts, scrapes, body piercings, deep wounds, and other injuries which break the skin. When in the body, the bacteria begin to grow and produce a toxin (a harmful substance) that affects the nerves and muscles, causing the symptoms of tetanus. Tetanus can affect any person who is not vaccinated but tends to most commonly affect older people, who have not kept up with booster vaccinations. Since routine vaccination was introduced, tetanus has become an uncommon condition.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms are muscle stiffness, fever, sweating, and painful muscle spasms. These muscle spasms can cause swallowing and breathing problems. Other symptoms may include a racing heart, dizziness, drooling, and a loss of control of the bladder and bowel.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis may be made based on the symptoms and physical examination in a person who has had an injury, or who is known to be at risk of tetanus. Some tests might be done to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment
Tetanus is treated with antibiotics and antibodies (proteins that fight infection) against the tetanus bacteria and the tetanus toxin. If the tetanus is beginning to cause breathing or blood pressure problems, these also require immediate treatment. Other treatments may include muscle-relaxing medications. In case of severe infection, patients are usually admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and get support to breathing with the help of a ventilator.
Prevention
Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination. Booster vaccinations are needed every 10 years. People who receive an injury that breaks the skin and who are not sure if they are immune to tetanus should wash the wound thoroughly, and see a doctor in order to receive a booster vaccination.
Other names for tetanus
- lockjaw
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## What is Tetanus?
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw [[2]], is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani [[3]]. Tetanus is commonly known as [[2]] because it causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles[[3]]. Tetanus is not spread from person to person[[2]], but rather usually enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects [[2]]. Tetanus is a serious disease for which there is no cure, so it is important to get vaccinated against tetanus to prevent infection [[3]].
**How does one get Tetanus?**
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium that is found in soil, dust, and manure [[2]]. This bacterium can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or puncture wounds, and produce a neurotoxin (tetanospasmin) that affects the nervous system [[3]].
**What are the symptoms of Tetanus?**
The symptoms of tetanus typically appear within 2 to 21 days after infection [[3]]. The most common symptom of tetanus is a locked jaw, which is caused by muscle contractions in the jaw [[3]]. Other symptoms of tetanus can include painful muscle spasms all over the body, difficulty breathing, sweating, fever, and high blood pressure [[3]].
**How is Tetanus Treated?**
There is no cure for tetanus, so treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing complications [[3]]. Treatment may include:
**How can Tetanus be prevented?**
The best way to prevent tetanus is to get vaccinated [[3]]. The tetanus vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule [[4]]. The vaccine is given in a series of shots, and it provides long-lasting protection against tetanus.
**When should one get a Tetanus shot?**
The tetanus vaccine is recommended for people of all ages. The vaccine is typically given in a series of shots, with the first shot given in infancy and booster [[4]] shots given every 10 years. If you have not been vaccinated against tetanus, or if you are not sure if you are up-to-date on your tetanus vaccination, talk to your doctor.
**What are the risks of the Tetanus vaccine?**
The tetanus vaccine is safe and effective [[4]]. The most common side effects of the vaccine are mild, and may include soreness, swelling, or a mild fever.
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil, dust, and manure.