Can tetanus be cured?

Written by Gao Jun
Emergency Surgery
Updated on January 11, 2025
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Tetanus has a high mortality rate from infection, but it is not incurable. Even in primitive tribes in Africa, as long as the patient can survive the initial complications such as respiratory muscle spasms leading to suffocation, heart failure, lung infections, etc., they may be lucky to survive. However, in our daily lives today, if we accidentally sustain skin injuries or abrasions, we must not take them lightly and should head to the hospital to follow the doctor's advice. If a tetanus antitoxin injection is needed, it must be administered. Do not neglect it due to inconvenience, as it may lead to severe consequences. The initial symptoms of tetanus might include general weakness, muscle soreness, and spasms of the chewing muscles, which can later lead to severe muscle contractions and forceful spasms throughout the body. The patient remains fully conscious and can painfully experience the disease. Most patients may die from complications such as respiratory muscle spasms, suffocation, heart failure, and lung infections.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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What should I do if the tetanus skin test is positive?

For patients, what to do if there is a positive tetanus skin test? Generally if it's positive, you can undergo desensitization injections or use anti-protein drugs. Therefore, in such cases, getting a tetanus injection is also a preventative measure against infection. It's recommended to visit a surgeon to complete relevant examinations and then decide on the next steps. At the same time, thorough debridement and disinfection should be carried out. Afterwards, rest, pay attention to diet by avoiding spicy and irritating foods, maintain cleanliness and dryness, change dressings regularly, and have regular follow-ups. With proper control, recovery is possible.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Will tetanus cause muscle soreness?

Tetanus can cause muscle pain. The main symptoms of a tetanus attack include sudden onset, impaired consciousness, frothing at the mouth, limb convulsions, body stiffness, presenting in an opisthotonos posture, and concurrent incontinence of urine and feces, with the duration varying according to the condition. Because convulsions cause the muscles to be in a state of rigidity, this leads to muscle ischemia and hypoxia, thereby increasing lactic acid and causing this state of muscle pain. Therefore, during a tetanus attack, measures should be taken to control these convulsions. At the same time, use chopsticks to prop against the teeth to prevent biting the tongue and other such incidents. If the condition is severe, immediately call emergency services (120) to get to a hospital for urgent treatment.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Is mild tetanus easy to treat?

Mild tetanus is easy to treat. Mild tetanus presents with slight twitching, numbness in the limbs, and stiffness, with shallow impairment of consciousness and shorter duration of convulsions. Appropriate sedatives or antiepileptic drugs such as midazolam or phenobarbital sodium can be used to control symptoms. Treatment with penicillin to combat tetanus bacillus also yields good results. Additionally, it is important to rest often, avoid excessive fatigue, drink plenty of water, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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The scientific name of a tetanus shot is called "tetanus toxoid vaccine."

Tetanus is a relatively common disease in daily life, and its prevention and treatment are very important because, in severe cases, it can even endanger a person's life safety. Commonly in clinical practice, tetanus injections are referred to as tetanus antitoxin. In such situations, the use of this prophylactic injection still plays a role, depending on the specific health condition and circumstances of the patient. If the wound is not superficial, it is generally after debridement that a tetanus shot can be administered based on the specific situation. Furthermore, tetanus shots usually need to be confirmed through methods like skin tests because some patients may have allergic reactions, which could significantly impact their health and pose a great risk.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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How is tetanus diagnosed?

The diagnosis of tetanus requires comprehensive consideration. If the patient has a history of trauma with skin or mucosal wounds, and shows signs of muscle spasms, such as difficulty opening the mouth, stiffening of the neck, and increased reflexes, the possibility of a tetanus infection should be considered. Further, a culture of the wound can be conducted to see if Clostridium tetani can be cultured. If the culture is positive, a definitive diagnosis can be made. Additionally, tetanus needs to be differentiated from other diseases such as purulent meningitis, rabies, epilepsy, hysteria, and so on.