Tetanus: An unusual finding in dental practice

Tetanus is an infectious non-contagious disease caused by the bacillus Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through open wounds. Psychomotor dysfunction enables accidents among the elderly and vaccination coverage is low in this year range, hence contributing to high mortality rate. The aim of this paper is to show a case of tetanus in a geriatric patient referred for an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. The patient presented signs and symptoms of the disease in the maxillofacial and neck regions, such as trismus and muscle spasms in the masticatory musculature, neck muscles and diaphragm. Symptoms shortly progressed to severe dysphagia and respiratory failure. Treatment involved intravenous antibiotics, tetanus immunoglobulin and muscle relaxant. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 26 days in a satisfactory condition.