Cephalic tetanus presenting with trismus in an intravenous drug abuser

Abstract

Introduction: Cephalic tetanus is a rare form of tetanus, defined as trismus and cranial nerve palsy. It has a mortality rate of 15 - 30%.Case Presentation: The purpose of this case report was to present a case of cephalic tetanus with trismus, a rare form of tetanus, in an intravenous drug abuser. Timely diagnosis and management prevented progression into the generalized form and made the patient needless of invasive procedures. Conclusions: Two main risk factors for getting tetanus include not being immunized against it and decrement in immunity in the elderly. Catch up vaccination programs should be carried out to cover the previously unimmunized individuals, especially in high-risk groups such as intravenous drug abusers. Booster doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) for the elderly should be considered.