by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: April 12, 2011

Tetanus, also known as lock jaw, is a worldwide spread disease. It occurs when the spores of the bacterium Clostridrium Tetani penetrate a wound. These spores are commonly found in soil, dust and animal waste. Once penetrated through a wound, the spores will awake from a dormant state and develop into bacteria which will produce a poison called "toxicospasmin". This poison is what causes the symptoms of tetanus. Following are a list of symptoms suggesting tetanus.

Tetanus Symptoms

There are two forms of tetanus, a local form and a generalized form. In the local form, expect muscle spasms near the wound. In the generalized form (the most common) expect muscle cramps, difficulty swallowing, spasms of the jaw, facial muscle spasms, also known as  "sardonic smile", fever, and high blood pressure.

As the disease progresses: progressive muscle spasms, arching of the back (opisthotonus), fractures deriving from the severe spasms, spasms of the muscles involved with breathing, causing also possibly asphyxiation and death.

Treatment

Should you not have received the Tetanus shot or should you not recall when your last shot was given, see a doctor if you have a wound. If you develop any symptoms of tetanus you must head to the emergency room at once. Treatment consists of the tetanus shot, a tetanus immunization shot and in certain instances, an antitoxin to neutralize the toxin. Valium may be given to relax the muscles and prevent excessive muscle spasms. The wound will be cleaned as needed. Pain meds will be given because the muscle spasming causes sore muscles. Victims may be put on a ventilator should their breathing be threatened by spasms.

Statistically, seniors and young children are more at risk. Their lower immune systems may cause more severe cases of tetanus which can even turn fatal. Seriousness of the disease seems to depend on how fast the symptoms arise. Usually, the quicker the symptoms arrive the more problematic the disease will be to cure. In general symptoms will appear anytime from 3 days to 2 months after the wound has been affected. In most cases symptoma arise after about 7- 8 days.

Prevention plays an active role in fighting this disease. Always clean all wounds carefully but best of all, get your tetanus immunization for extra, priceless piece of mind.So if you haven't had your Tetanus shot, please get it as soon as possible. This shot is a life saver and thanks to the general protocol of getting it every 10 years, episodes of Tetanus have become pretty sporadic.

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