What happens if tetanus goes untreated

When tetanospasmin enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads around the body, causing tetanus symptoms. Tetanospasmin interferes with the signals traveling from the brain to the nerves in the spinal cord, and then on to the muscles, causing muscle spasms and stiffness. Clostridium tetani enters the body mainly through skin cut or puncture wounds. Thoroughly cleaning any cut helps prevent an infection from developing. Most cases of tetanus occur in people who have never had the vaccine or who did not have a booster shot within the previous decade.

The tetanus vaccine is routinely given to children as part of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis DTaP shot. The DTaP vaccine consists of five shots, usually given in the arm or thigh of children when they are aged:. A booster is normally given between the ages of 11 and 18 years, and then another booster every 10 years.

If an individual is traveling to an area where tetanus is common, they should check with a doctor regarding vaccinations. Anyone who receives a deep or dirty wound and has not had a booster shot over the last 5 years should have another booster. A patient in this situation may also be given tetanus immune globulin, which works to prevent infection. It is important that medical attention is sought swiftly as tetanus immune globulin only works for a short time after the injury.

In many countries, the average doctor may never see a patient with tetanus. This is because the tetanus vaccine is part of childhood immunization and the infection has become rare. In the U. The earlier a patient is diagnosed with tetanus, the more effective the treatment will be.

A patient with muscle spasms and stiffness who has recently had a wound or cut is usually diagnosed quickly. Diagnosis may take longer with patients who inject drugs because they often have other medical conditions. They made need a blood test for confirmation. If the patient does not receive treatment, the risk of life-threatening complications is higher. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It gathers information from all over the body and coordinates activity.

We explore…. If you weren't vaccinated against tetanus as a child or are unsure about your vaccination status, see your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine. A booster is recommended during the third trimester of a pregnancy, regardless of the mother's vaccination schedule. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Tetanus shots: Is it risky to receive 'extra' boosters? Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Bennett JE, et al. Tetanus Clostridium tetani. Elsevier; Accessed March 4, Tetanus: For clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Thwaites L. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis Tdap vaccination. The vaccine is extremely effective, according to the CDC. Reports of tetanus occurring in fully immunized people who have received a vaccine or booster within the last 10 years are very rare. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites.

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Recurring boils happen for a number of reasons…. Certain E. Learn about other bacteria and parasites like pinworms and how to prevent…. Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. The Shigella bacterium is spread through contact with contaminated feces. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Tetanus Lockjaw. While the rust itself plays no role in the transmission of the disease—a common misconception—it readily harbors C.

Stepping on a nail simply delivers the spores deeper into the body, whether it is rusty or not. Tetanus is also associated with injecting heroin use , usually as the result of spores found in contaminated heroin rather than on the needle itself. While dental procedures have also been implicated, they most commonly occur in developing countries where standard surgical hygiene practices are not in place. Medical procedures, such as surgery or injections, are unlikely routes of transmission.

Today, with routine vaccination of children and adults, only around 30 cases of tetanus occur in the U. Worldwide, tetanus causes around 60, deaths annually. There are no blood tests able to diagnose tetanus. While a bacterial culture may provide evidence of infection by extracting a fluid sample from an open wound , it has a true positive rate of only around 30 percent. Because of this, tetanus will be treated presumptively based on the appearance of symptoms and your vaccination history.

One in-office procedure that may support a diagnosis is the spatula test. This involves the insertion of a tongue depressor in the back of your throat. If you have been infected, you would react abnormally and reflexively bite down on the depression. If you have not been infected, the natural gag reflex would compel you to push the depressor out of your mouth.

In cases where the symptoms are either inconsistent or non-specific, your healthcare provider may order tests to check for other possible causes. The differential diagnoses may include a host of other conditions, including:. The treatment of tetanus will vary based on your vaccination status.

If you have a deep wound but have been previously vaccinated against tetanus, you may be given a drug called tetanus immunoglobin TIG. Also known as tetanus antitoxin, TIG is a medication made up of immune proteins, known as antibodies , that are able to neutralize the tetanospasmin toxin. TIG is delivered by an injection into the muscle of either the upper arm or thigh.

Localized pain and swelling are the most common side effects. However, if you have not been vaccinated or did not complete your vaccine series, TIG may be given alongside the appropriate round of vaccinations see below.

This would need to be started as soon as possible after the injury, ideally no less than 48 hours. If you have symptoms of tetanus, you would need to be hospitalized and undergo a more aggressive course of treatment. The course of treatment would vary based on the severity of your symptoms. Severe tetanus, on the other hand, may involve multiple medications and mechanical interventions to prevent some of the more severe manifestations of the disease.

To maintain nutrition, a high-calorie diet may be delivered in liquid form through either a drip in the arm parenteral nutrition or through a tube inserted into the stomach percutaneous gastrostomy. Severe cases may require four to six weeks of hospitalization before you are stable enough to be released, although it can take months to recover from some of the damage done to the central nervous symptom.

While most adults can achieve recovery, tetanus seizures can cause permanent brain damage in infants due to the restriction of oxygen.

Since the introduction of the tetanus vaccine in the s, the rate of tetanus infections worldwide has decreased by over 95 percent. The DTaP vaccine provides protection against three diseases: diphtheria a bacterial respiratory infection, pertussis whooping cough , and tetanus.

It is also recommended that adolescents get a dose of the Tdap vaccine between the ages of 11 and