Symptoms of tetanus
Oct 10, 2010
TETANUS is almost always fatal because it affects the central nervous system and the muscles. There is no “cure†for tetanus once a person develops symptoms but the patient is given supportive treatment and management of complications.
TETANUS is almost always fatal because it affects the central nervous system and the muscles. There is no “cure†for tetanus once a person develops symptoms but the patient is given supportive treatment and management of complications.
The best treatment is prevention through immunisation. Dr. Edgar Mujuni points out that in the commonest form of tetanus, the signs include:
Spasm of the jaw muscles followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing and stiffness of the abdominal muscles.
Fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
lSpasms often occur, which may last for several minutes, and continue for 3-4 weeks. Complete recovery, if it occurs, may take several months.
Larynges spasm (spasm of the vocal cords) can lead to interference with breathing, causing suffocation.
Like in fits, patients can also break their spine or long bones from convulsions that are often associated with tetanus.
Other possible symptoms include hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, and secondary infections. Secondary infections are common because of prolonged hospital stays.
Tetanus has a high fatality rate, says Dr. Mujuni. In recent years, tetanus has been fatal in persons aged 60 years and older and in children aged years and older.
These victims are mostly found in areas where hygiene is not a priority. It is also fatal because aabout 22% of the national population is unvaccinated.
However, Dr. Ogusanya adds that there is need to know that one can be infected with tetanus but only realise it when the cuts become septic.
“The incubation period of the tetanus bacteria varies from 3-21 days, with an average of eight days. The further the injury spot from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period. The shorter the incubation period, the higher the risk of death,†he explains.
Proper diagnosis of tetanus is based on the clinical signs and symptoms. Laboratory diagnosis is not useful as the tetanus bacteria often cannot be recovered from the wound.
In a nutshell, experts advise that every one should not take minor wounds for granted lest they develop tetanus and die. It is more important to pay attention to any cuts on your body.
New born babies, children and adults should get tetanus immunisation so that they stay safe.
Norah's story
Norah Mbabazi, 32, stepped on a rusty nail in her compound. Because she thought the cut was minor, she ignored taking it to the clinic for cleaning and treatment.
Hardly did she know that the small wound would turn down her blissful life. The piercing in her foot alarmingly bred into a big swollen sore.
At the hospital, she was diagnosed with tetanus. Before she knew it, doctors said she was going to lose her foot to tetanus.
This was because the tetanus bacteria had eaten up her foot tissues so deeply that nothing could be done to save her.
The best treatment is prevention through immunisation. Dr. Edgar Mujuni points out that in the commonest form of tetanus, the signs include:
Spasm of the jaw muscles followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing and stiffness of the abdominal muscles.
Fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
lSpasms often occur, which may last for several minutes, and continue for 3-4 weeks. Complete recovery, if it occurs, may take several months.
Larynges spasm (spasm of the vocal cords) can lead to interference with breathing, causing suffocation.
Like in fits, patients can also break their spine or long bones from convulsions that are often associated with tetanus.
Other possible symptoms include hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, and secondary infections. Secondary infections are common because of prolonged hospital stays.
Tetanus has a high fatality rate, says Dr. Mujuni. In recent years, tetanus has been fatal in persons aged 60 years and older and in children aged years and older.
These victims are mostly found in areas where hygiene is not a priority. It is also fatal because aabout 22% of the national population is unvaccinated.
However, Dr. Ogusanya adds that there is need to know that one can be infected with tetanus but only realise it when the cuts become septic.
“The incubation period of the tetanus bacteria varies from 3-21 days, with an average of eight days. The further the injury spot from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period. The shorter the incubation period, the higher the risk of death,†he explains.
Proper diagnosis of tetanus is based on the clinical signs and symptoms. Laboratory diagnosis is not useful as the tetanus bacteria often cannot be recovered from the wound.
In a nutshell, experts advise that every one should not take minor wounds for granted lest they develop tetanus and die. It is more important to pay attention to any cuts on your body.
New born babies, children and adults should get tetanus immunisation so that they stay safe.
Norah's story
Norah Mbabazi, 32, stepped on a rusty nail in her compound. Because she thought the cut was minor, she ignored taking it to the clinic for cleaning and treatment.
Hardly did she know that the small wound would turn down her blissful life. The piercing in her foot alarmingly bred into a big swollen sore.
At the hospital, she was diagnosed with tetanus. Before she knew it, doctors said she was going to lose her foot to tetanus.
This was because the tetanus bacteria had eaten up her foot tissues so deeply that nothing could be done to save her.