Tetanus
Description of the disease
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease of the nervous system characterized by tonic muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, breathing difficulties, inability to swallow, a “locked jaw” caused by severe muscle spasm, and abnormally increased reflexes.
The disease is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Prompt vaccination after an injury is essential for the prevention of tetanus.
Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology