JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Tetanus is a rare bacterial disease caused by infection with clostridium tetani. Because of its rarity in developed world many of the current generation of clinicians can be unfamiliar with the disease. Here we are sharing our experience regarding a case of tetanus we have come across. A 58-year-old male presented with 1-month history of difficulty in walking and stiffness in all 4 limbs. His chest x-ray showed non homogenous opac-ities in right lower zone. Patient was admitted to ICU in view of low O2 saturation and low GCS, and kept on mechanical ventilation. He was kept in a dark environment with minimal disturbances. After tracheostomy was done his O2 saturation has improved. Increased secretions were managed by regular suctioning and anticholin-ergics. Patients condition gradually improved and spasms have stopped after 6 weeks, O2 saturation was main-taining on room air and with eye opening spontaneously. Tracheostomy tube was removed after shifting out of ICU.

Keywords: Tetanus, muscle spasms, muscle relaxants, tetanus toxin