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Tetanus: the ’forgotten disease’. A rare cause of dysphagia and trismus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Jawed Tahery ,
David P. Morris  and
Andrew R. Birzgalis
Jawed Tahery
Affiliation:
South Manchester University Teaching Hospitals, Manchester, UK.
David P. Morris
Affiliation:
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Abstract

Tetanus kills approximately 500 000 people worldwide each year. Widespread immunization has ensured that it is rarely encountered in the United Kingdom. An increase in global travel may increase the likelihood of such encounters in the developed world in the future.

In the non-immunized patient, death from tetanus can be avoided by early recognition and timely intervention. The potential need for airway support and sedation should not be underestimated.

The authors’ case report should increase the awareness of the otolaryngologist when confronted with atypical cases of dysphagia and trismus and provides details of the recommended treatment regime.

Keywords

TetanusTrismusDysphagia Deglutition DisordersOtolaryngology
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 118 , Issue 12 , December 2004 , pp. 974 - 976
Copyright
© 2004 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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