Cedar Mill is an up-and-coming area of Portland being developed and expanded all the time. You work at a construction site in town and while you’re on the job one day, you injure your hand while using a nail gun. You don’t have any way to wash the wound with anything more than soap and water, so you bandage your hand up and continue throughout your day. You thought you were up to date on your vaccinations, so you don’t think anything of it, but a little over a week later you start experiencing severe pain and stiffness in your jaw and neck.

Come to find out you have early signs of tetanus, otherwise known as lockjaw – a rare but life-threatening disease of the nervous system. Tetanus symptoms work their way down the body, beginning in the jaw, and generally don’t show up until 10 days have passed since the root of infection. If you start experiencing any signs of muscle rigidity in the mouth, jaw, or neck after an injury with a risk of infection, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care to stop the spread of disease in your body.

Here at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Hills, you can get your tetanus shot which will protect you from the bacterial cause of tetanus: Clostridium tetani. Tetanus has no cure, so it’s imperative to be up-to-date with your vaccination status. Save your spot online or walk right in – we're here to help!

Walk in or schedule an appointment at AFC Cedar Hills today.

So, What Causes Tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal feces. When these bacteria enter the body through a wound or cut, they produce a toxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin interferes with the normal function of nerves that control muscles, leading to severe muscle spasms and stiffness. Common causes of tetanus infection include deep puncture wounds, burns, crush injuries, and any injury that creates an anaerobic (low-oxygen) environment favorable for the bacteria to grow. Proper wound care and vaccination are crucial in preventing tetanus.

3 Major Types of Tetanus

Generalized Tetanus

Generalized tetanus is the most common type, making up about 80% of cases. It usually starts with muscle spasms that move down the body. The first signs are lockjaw and a stiff smile due to tight facial muscles. This can lead to a stiff neck, trouble swallowing, and tight chest and calf muscles. These spasms can last up to 4 weeks, and full recovery can take months.

Patients may also experience:

• Fever
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate
• Breathing problems
• Increased stress hormones -- which can sometimes result in early death

Localized Tetanus

Localized tetanus is characterized by muscle spasms and rigidity confined to the area of injury where the tetanus bacteria entered the body. Symptoms are typically limited to the muscles near the infection site and can cause significant discomfort and pain. While generally milder, localized tetanus can sometimes progress to generalized tetanus if not treated promptly. Muscle spasms and rigidity in localized tetanus can last for several days to weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment.

Cephalic/Cerebral Tetanus

Cephalic or cerebral tetanus affects the muscles and nerves of the head. It usually occurs after head injuries such as skull fractures, cuts on the head, eye injuries, dental work, or ear infections.

Symptoms include:

• Stiff neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Lockjaw
• Retracted eyelids
• Eyes that don't align properly
• Rigid smile

The facial nerve is most often involved, but other head nerves can be affected too. These symptoms can lead to serious issues like choking on food, paralysis of breathing and throat muscles, and respiratory failure. This type of tetanus can also spread to the whole body.

Preventing Tetanus

Preventing tetanus primarily involves vaccination and proper wound care. The tetanus vaccine, often given as part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) or Tdap booster, is highly effective and should be kept up-to-date with regular boosters every ten years. Immediate and thorough cleaning of all wounds, including minor cuts and scrapes, helps reduce the risk of infection. For deeper or more serious wounds, especially those contaminated with dirt or animal feces, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. In some cases, a tetanus booster shot may be necessary even if the last one was within ten years. These measures together significantly reduce the risk of contracting tetanus.