Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:35
Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
[Cephalic tetanus and Bell's palsy in an elderly man]
Kuezina-Daniel Tonduangu1, Françoise Jungfer, Mohamed Nahila
1Service de Réanimation Polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier, Gaston-Ramon, Sens. daniel.tonduangu@free.fr
Annales De Medecine Interne
|August 12, 2003
Summary
Cephalic tetanus, a rare condition involving facial paralysis and lockjaw, can occur after head trauma. This case highlights its potential to mimic other neurological conditions like Bell
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cephalic tetanus is a rare manifestation of tetanus.
- It is characterized by trismus and cranial nerve palsies, most commonly affecting the seventh cranial nerve.
Observation:
- A case of an elderly Caucasian male with cephalic tetanus following head trauma and a facial wound is presented.
- The patient's initial symptom was Bell's palsy, a paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the potential for cephalic tetanus to present with cranial nerve involvement, specifically facial nerve palsy.
- This presentation can initially be mistaken for other neurological disorders.
Implications:
- Early recognition of cephalic tetanus is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding its varied presentations, including facial nerve palsy, can improve patient outcomes and prevent diagnostic delays.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
01:29Tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
01:28Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...