infection⚑ High burden in India
Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a caused by Clostridium tetani and characterized by muscle spasms. In the most common type, the spasms begin in the jaw and then progress to the rest of the body. Each spasm usually lasts for a few minutes. Spasms occur frequently for three to four weeks. Some spasms may be severe enough to fracture bones. Other symptoms of tetanus may include fever, sweating, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. The onset of symptoms is typically 3 to 21 days following infection. Recovery may take months; about 10% of cases prove to be fatal.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·fever, cramped-up jaw, muscle spasms, headache, , sweating, and trouble swallowing
Causes — why it happens
- ·Clostridium tetani
Prevention
- ·Tetanus vaccine
Treatment
- ·Tetanus globulin, muscle relaxants, mechanical
Complications
- ·Laryngospasm, failure, bone fractures
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See all of Muscles →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.