Tetanus Case Study

Diagnosis of Tetanus:
For the diagnosis of tetanus there are no specific test and lab values available. Physician predicts tetanus on the basis of patient condition, like the presence of Trismus, Generalized muscular rigidity, Spasm, or combinations thereof with an open wound or puncture.
Lumber Puncture.
As far as lumber puncture is concerned, it does not give any information, CSF analysis is normal except increase in pressure during spasm.
Culture test:
If the tetanus is suspected wound culture test is performed for C. tetani, but the results are not so reliable.
Spatula test:
Spatula test is performed to diagnose tetanus, in this test a spatula or a tongue blade is used. With the help of that spatula physician touches the oropharynx of the

 Preventative approaches.
 Immunization
 Symptomatic Treatment
Preventative treatment:
Wounds that are susceptible for tetanus are called tetanus prone wounds.
Tetanus prone wounds may include: o Injuries wounds and burns that are contaminated with dirt and soil are susceptible for tetanus. o Wounds and burns for which surgery is to be done but it is delayed for upto 6 hours. o Wound that have undergone in contact with animal’s tooth or feces. o Wounds in the patients suffering from systemic sepsis.
WHO Recommendations:
Wound management:
Wound is cleaned with any antiseptic solution and all the debris is removed from the site of injury. Immunization:
Person suspected for tetanus is given vaccination soon after the injury. According to WHO human TIG 500 units are given intravenously.
The persons who haven’t received any tetanus immunization before, are given TT vaccination depending on their age. 2nd dose should be given1-2 months after the 1st dose, and 3rd dose is given after 6-12 months.
Symptomatic Treatment:
Antibiotic treatment:
 Most preferable is Metronidazole, it is given I/V 500mg every 6