[Relapsing tetanus (author's transl)]

Tetanus relapses are caused by reactivated tetanus spores which have remained in the region of the wound, and made possible by unsatisfactory immunisation during a tetanus infection. From previously communicated individual case reports, the frequency of relapse, the length of the interval and the type of course are grouped together and compared with a case of our own. Electromyography plays a decisive role in the differential diagnosis of clinically similar syndromes and hysterical reactions. The characteristic electrophysiological findings are presented from the example of our own patient. Finally the therapeutic consequences are pointed out.