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Cephalic tetanus with left infranuclear facial palsy
V K Sharma1, T N Dubey, R Nayak
1Department of Medicine, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal (M.P.).
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|January 5, 2008
Summary
A rare case of cephalic tetanus in an 11-year-old boy presented with trismus and facial palsy after a forehead injury. Despite a short incubation period, the condition ran a mild course, highlighting unusual presentations of tetanus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system.
- Cephalic tetanus is a rare form, often associated with head or neck injuries.
- Facial palsy and trismus are key neurological signs.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old male sustained a forehead injury.
- The patient subsequently developed trismus (difficulty opening the jaw) and left infranuclear facial palsy.
- The incubation period was less than seven days.
Findings:
- Cephalic tetanus was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and injury.
- The case is notable for its rarity and the mild clinical course observed.
- Facial nerve involvement was a prominent feature.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare tetanus presentations, even with mild symptoms.
- Early recognition of cephalic tetanus is crucial for prompt management.
- Understanding variations in tetanus presentation aids in diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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