|
|
|
TETANUS
Description |
|
|
|
Symptoms |
|
Abdominal cramps |
Blood Pressure - high |
Fever |
|
Heart - beat increase |
Jaw - spasms |
Muscles - cramps |
|
Neck - stiffness |
Seizure |
Swallowing - difficulty |
|
Sweating |
|
|
|
|
Description |
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infection caused by
Clostridium tetani bacteria that produce a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin,
affecting the nervous system and leading to involuntary muscle contractions.
The bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, saliva and animal feces. Once the
bacteria enter the body through a wound, they release a toxin that produces
painful neuromuscular symptoms such as spasms and stiffness of the jaw, neck and
abdomen.
The disease can also infect newborn babies after a non-sterile delivery. This is
called neonatal tetanus.
The incubation period is very uncertain and can take from a week to several
months.
|
|
|
Diagnosis
|
There are no lab tests that can confirm tetanus. Therefore
the diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms.
However, the “spatula test” is used as a primary method for diagnosis. This test
consists in introducing a sterile spatula into the back of the throat. It can
induce the involuntary contraction of the jaw, which is an indication of tetanus
infection. |
|
|
More information: |
Tetanus
Treatment
Tetanus
Healthcare Centers
|
|
|
|
Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclaimers
|