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Dynamics of swallowing in tetanus
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Tetanus can cause rare swallowing problems, affecting food passage into the esophagus. Treatment of the underlying tetanus disease resolved the swallowing disturbance in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tetanus, a bacterial infection, can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Swallowing disturbances are uncommon but serious complications of tetanus.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old male patient presented with an unusual swallowing difficulty.
- The patient could chew food but experienced an inability to initiate esophageal transit.
Findings:
- Radiological and endoscopic studies revealed impaired deglutition, specifically in the second stage of swallowing.
- The swallowing dysfunction was linked to advanced age and the subacute progression of tetanus.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare manifestation of tetanus affecting the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing.
- Understanding this association is crucial for managing elderly patients with tetanus.
- Prompt treatment of tetanus is effective in reversing such neurological complications.