The jaw is a critical part of the human body, allowing people to speak, chew food, and yawn. The jaw comprises two bones: the maxilla and the mandible. The maxilla is the upper jawbone, and the mandible is the lower jawbone.
The muscles moving the jaw are called the masseter and temporal muscles. The jaw uses the masseter muscle to close the mouth and the temporal muscle to open the mouth. As a result, these muscles tend to get overworked. Additionally, they can be affected by bacterial infections. One known bacterial infection of the jaw muscles is tetanus.
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and can cause muscle spasms. It can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. The bacteria that cause tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is found in soil, dust, and manure. It can enter the body through wounds or cuts in the skin. The bacteria release toxins that affect the nervous system, causing muscle spasms.
Tetanus is rare in developed countries like the United States. It’s estimated that only 30 reported cases of tetanus in the country. However, it is still essential to be aware of the symptoms.
Symptoms of Tetanus
The symptoms of tetanus can vary depending on the person. However, common symptoms include muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, seizures, and paralysis. The spasms can be so severe that they cause the jaw to lock shut. The infection can also lead to death in some cases.
Tetanus is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
Diagnosing Tetanus
Tetanus can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic other conditions. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and vaccination status. It includes a physical examination. They will also get a blood test and spinal tap if it is tetanus.
Complications Around Tetanus
Tetanus can lead to several complications, some of which can be life-threatening. One of them is pneumonia.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that tetanus bacteria can cause. The infection can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever. If left untreated, pneumonia can be fatal. Usually, pneumonia happens when the bacteria has thoroughly infected the body.
Tetanus can also cause problems with the nervous system. It includes seizures, paralysis, and death.
Seizures
The tetanus toxin causes seizures. These seizures happen due to sudden changes in behavior due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can be mild or severe, depending on the infection.
Paralysis
Paralysis is when the muscles can’t move properly due to damage to the nervous system. Tetanus-induced paralysis is usually temporary. However, in some cases, it can be permanent.
Blood poisoning
Blood poisoning is a severe infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. For example, this can happen if the tetanus bacteria gets into a wound. Blood poisoning can cause organ failure and death.
Trismus
People can easily mistake trismus with tetanus. They do have similar symptoms, but the main difference is that trismus isn’t always life-threatening. One way to know the difference is by visiting your local dental office. The dentist can tell the difference between the two. They can also refer you to a hospital if it is indeed tetanus. If it’s trismus, they can treat it themselves.
Treatment for Tetanus
Tetanus is treated with a combination of antibiotics and vaccinations.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause tetanus. Doctors usually give antibiotics through an IV. The most common antibiotic used is called Metronidazole.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are used to prevent tetanus. DTaP is for children under the age of seven. Today is for people over the age of seven. The vaccination is usually given in three doses, with a booster shot every ten years.
Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG)
Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) is a blood product that provides immunity against tetanus. Medical professionals give it to people who haven’t been vaccinated or have weakened immune systems. Doctors also give TIG to people who have deep or dirty wounds.
Muscle Relaxers
Medical professionals use muscle relaxers to treat the muscle spasms associated with tetanus. They are usually given through an IV. The most common muscle relaxer used is called Baclofen. It’s meant to be used as a first resort to reduce spasms. It’s also meant to prevent seizures.
Tetanus is a severe infection, but doctors can treat it with prompt medical care. If you think you or someone you know has tetanus, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
