"Tetanus is a rare vaccine-preventable disease caused by Clostridium tetani, a ubiquitous soil bacterium which contaminates open wounds. It secretes a powerful neurotoxin which degrades neuromuscular junction function, producing muscle spasms and, despite intensive intervention, is often fatal."
"Clostridium tetani, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, is ubiquitous globally as a spore in the soil. When local conditions are anaerobic, the C. tetani spores reproduce as vegetative bacteria which secrete tetanospasmin, an exotoxin, one of the most powerful neurotoxins ever studied 1,3. The C. tetani spores are ubiquitous in the outside environment globally and contamination of open wounds is an ever present danger. In neonates, there is a risk of infection of the umbilical stump 1."
"neuromuscular blockers: e.g. pipecuronium, vecuronium, pancuronium or intravenous magnesium sulfate"
"Classically, tetanus is characterised by tetanic spasms, which are spasms of all or localised groups of muscles (up to 4/5 cases); this often manifests initially as a feeling of muscle stiffness 1:"
"to reduce muscle spasm, rigidity and autonomic instability and avoid exhaustion"
"sedatives: benzodiazepines (e.g. midazolam, diazepam), anaesthetic agents (e.g. propofol), phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine)"