Tetanus After Trivial Trauma: A Case Series and Review of Pharamocotherapeutic Management

Abstract

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease that is still endemic in developing countries. We discuss two cases of tetanus in unvaccinated individuals. The first case was a young goat herder who was initially started on benzodiazepine and muscle relaxants. Magnesium sulphate was added later on due to inadequate control after which the patient improved significantly. The second case was an old farmer who was started on magnesium sulphate along with benzodiazepine from the outset. His clinical recovery was faster compared to the first case. We report these cases to discuss the pharmacological options in the management of generalized tetanus with particular reference to magnesium sulphate.