A - Z Encyclopedia
Understanding Tetanus
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Treatment
How Do I Know If I Have Tetanus?
Some affected people may experience only pain and tingling at the wound site and some spasms in nearby muscles, but most suffer stiff jaw and neck muscles, irritability and difficulty swallowing. If muscle spasms develop early, chances of recovery are poor.
It is seldom possible to find either the bacterium or the toxin in a suspected tetanus patient, so diagnosis can be made only on the basis of clinical observations combined with the absence of a history of tetanus immunization.
What Are the Treatments?
If tetanus does develop, seek hospital treatment immediately. This includes wound care, a course of antibiotics and an injection of tetanus antitoxin. You may receive medications such as chlorpromazine or diazepam to control muscle spasms, or a short-acting barbiturate for sedation. You may require the aid of an artificial respirator or other life-support measures during the several weeks needed for the disease to run its course.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
