Introduction
Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a bacterial toxin that affects your nervous system, leading to painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Commonly known as "lockjaw," tetanus can interfere with your ability to breathe and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
- Jaw cramping or inability to open the mouth (lockjaw)
- Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms—often in the stomach
- Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
- Trouble swallowing
- Seizures and fever
Causes & Risk Factors
- Bacteria (*Clostridium tetani*) entering through a deep cut, puncture wound, or animal bite
- Stepping on a rusty nail or soil-contaminated object
- Lack of recent tetanus vaccination or boosters
- Compound fractures or burns
Our Treatment Approach at GHCCD
Tetanus requires intensive medical care in a quiet, dark environment to prevent muscle spasms. At GHCCD, we provide Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) to neutralize toxins and muscle relaxants to control spasms. Our Respiratory ICU is critical for tetanus management, as severe spasms can affect the respiratory muscles, requiring mechanical ventilation.
We perform thorough wound cleaning (debridement) to remove the source of the bacteria and provide a full course of antibiotics, all free of cost.
When to Visit GHCCD
If you have a deep or dirty wound and haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, visit us for a booster. If you experience jaw stiffness or muscle spasms, seek emergency care immediately.
FAQ
Q: Can Tetanus be prevented at GHCCD? A: Yes, Tetanus is almost entirely preventable with vaccination. We provide Tetanus Toxoid (TT) or Tdap shots to anyone with a potential injury.