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Also known as: lockjaw
A toxin-mediated disease from Clostridium tetani entering a wound — painful muscle spasms, trismus (lockjaw), risus sardonicus and rigidity. It is vaccine-preventable and needs wound care, toxin neutralisation and spasm control.
Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people with a contaminated (tetanus-prone) wound; neonatal tetanus follows unclean cord-care practices.
Neutralise toxin and start active immunisation
Antibiotic for the organism; spasm control
Caution: High benzodiazepine needs may require ventilatory support.
Guidelines change. If something here is out of date, tell us — we keep these current.
🚩 Report outdated / suggest update