Tetanus is a spastic, paralytic illness also called as “LOCK JAW”
Tetanus is an infection caused by clostridium tetani, bacteria found in almost anything lying on the ground, including the soil, dust and feces of animals.
Causes of tetanus
Bacteria (clostridium tetani) that are manure, or dust. Bacteria may enter through any break in the skin, including burns or puncture wounds. The wound can be tiny such as with a splinter. Toxins produced by the bacteria travel to nerves that control muscle contraction, producing muscles spasms and seizures.
- Lack of tetanus immunizations
- New born infants born to non immunized mothers.
- Unclean deliveries.
- Animal bites.
- Ear and nose pricking
- Frostbite and gangrene.
- Use of street drugs with unclean needles and syringes.
- Burns, surgical wounds, and skin ulcers.
- Outdoor work and outdoor sports activities.
Pathophysiology of Tetanus
The time between getting the infection and showing symptoms is usually between three and 10 days. But it may be as long as three weeks. The shorter the incubation period the higher the risk factors.
As the bacteria enter into the body it starts multiplying into the cell. Bacterial cell release neurotoxin called tetanospasmin which is responsible for the whole symptomatology.
Tetanospasmin reaches at neuromuscular junction and block the production of substance responsible for muscle relaxation. This results in continuous excitation of muscle with minimal or no relaxation.
Symptoms of Tetanus
- In children and adults muscular stiffness in the jaw is a common first sign of tetanus.
- This symptom is followed by stiffness in the neck, difficulty swallowing, stiffness in the stomach muscles, muscles spasms, sweating, and fever.
- Difficulty breathing
- Urinary retention
- New born babies with tetanus are normal at birth, but stop sucking between 3-12 days after birth.
- They stop feeding and their babies become stiff while severe muscle contractions and spasms occur. Death follows in most cases.
Two agents are available. Tetanus immune globulin is a concentrate of antibodies produced against tetanus toxin by immunized people.
Another available agent is tetanus toxoid, which works by making the body produce antibodies to the toxin and protect one from future infections. Since immunity to tetanus wanes with time, periodic boosters are necessary.
Homeopathic treatment for tetanus symptoms
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat tetanus symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat tetanus symptoms that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of tetanus symptoms:
Ledum pal – tetanus with twitching of muscles near the wound; indicate din punctured wounds produced by sharp pointed instruments.
Hydrocyanicum acid –This is a homeopathic remedy which is very homeopathic to tetanus. It produces a persistent tonic spasm from its direct action on the spinal cord. It shows itself in the muscles of the face, jaws and back. There is trismus or locked jaw, risus sardonicus and impeded respiration, with lividity and frothing at the mouth; the rigidity is firm, the body is bent backwards, the attack is sudden, and there is less reflex excitability than with the Strychnia case.
Angustura produces a tetanic rigidity of the muscles, a painful stiffness and stretching of the limbs. The lips are drawn back showing the teeth and the jaws are locked.
Cicuta virosa – useful in tetanic convulsions with sudden rigidity and jerking followed by prostration; the characteristic symptoms are the bending of the head, neck and spine backwards. Intense oppression of breathing, lockjaw and the patient becomes violent with frightful distortions.
Nux Vomica –
The leading homeopathic remedy for tetanus. It has tetanic convulsions with opisthotonos, distortion of eyes and face, with dyspnoea excited by any external impression. Strychnia, the alkaloid of Nux-vomica, produces a perfect picture of tetanus, with its convulsion of muscles renewed by the slightest external impression, its “risus sardonicus,” its respiratory spasm, with blue `cyanosed face and clear mind. The value of Strychnia in tetanus is recognized by Trousseau and Stille, and it is a striking example of Homoeopathy as sometimes practiced by allopaths.
Ignatia suits emotional trismus or opisthotonos.
Passiflora – suitable for tetanic convulsions in children with neuralgia; it is suitable for curing tetanus in summer.
Physostigma – Here the sensory nerves are irritable; there are tetanic spasms stiffness of spine and legs alternate dilation and contraction of the pupils. This seems to be characteristic.
Carbolic acid has been used with success in tetanus. Phenol has been found to work better than antitetanic serum, which is preserved by phenol. There is no question but that it is a powerful remedy.
Hypericum –Trismus from injury to nerves; it is considered prophylactic in cases of wounds of palms or soles. Especially useful in spinal injuries. It has a growing clinical record in this disease. Dr. Zopfy corroborates the use of Hypericum in tetanus in a practice of sixty years.