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Hello My Concern Is Regarding Tetanus . I Am Really

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Posted on Wed, 1 May 2019
Question: Hello
My concern is regarding tetanus. I am really anxious that i have contracted this.
7 days ago i worked outside with gravel. I scratch my palm with the shovel. It is not deep or long. After this, i started to clean the garden by throwing away branches of trees that har been laying on the lawn for almost a year.
Two-three days after, i had twitches of my left arm lower muscle. The scratch is on my right hand. The morning after, i wake up with a very stiff neck. Now, 7 days later i have a bit stiffness and small cramps in legs and arms.
A year ago, i had a dog bite (small puncture), and had the same symptoms. That time my doctor sent bloodwork to hospital, and results were that something called titer?? Shows i was immune to difteria and tetanus. However i can not remember to have had vaccination since my youth.
This time the doctor says it's impossible that this is tetanus. I disagree. I feel the symptoms are spot on for tetanus, and wonder what i should do?
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Hello
My concern is regarding tetanus. I am really anxious that i have contracted this.
7 days ago i worked outside with gravel. I scratch my palm with the shovel. It is not deep or long. After this, i started to clean the garden by throwing away branches of trees that har been laying on the lawn for almost a year.
Two-three days after, i had twitches of my left arm lower muscle. The scratch is on my right hand. The morning after, i wake up with a very stiff neck. Now, 7 days later i have a bit stiffness and small cramps in legs and arms.
A year ago, i had a dog bite (small puncture), and had the same symptoms. That time my doctor sent bloodwork to hospital, and results were that something called titer?? Shows i was immune to difteria and tetanus. However i can not remember to have had vaccination since my youth.
This time the doctor says it's impossible that this is tetanus. I disagree. I feel the symptoms are spot on for tetanus, and wonder what i should do?
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Forgot to say these twitches are in buttocs, in front of ear, leg and shoulders, anywhere.
It scares me and i am almost just certain this will kill me.
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Forgot to say these twitches are in buttocs, in front of ear, leg and shoulders, anywhere.
It scares me and i am almost just certain this will kill me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I agree with your doctor that you are SAFE and twitches are NOT tetanus

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. Sorry that you're feeling so anxious about your condition. I've read your other consults with colleagues and can see that you are rather careful and cautious when it comes to issues of your health. In this case, I would say this is a good thing, since that tells me that the wound you mentioned to the palm of your hand was probably what we would refer to as a "clean and uncomplicated wound." I believe you would've mentioned something in your introductory details about the hand being red, swollen, or showing signs of infectious complication in which case that would be more concering to me for possible tetanus infection. However, I wouldn't be surprised if you cleaned the wound very well when you came in from outside and have been adequately taking care of it from a week ago. Perhaps, to the point that the wound is nearly healed or scarred over.

Such a wound would have very little chance of becoming infected and I believe your doctor has already assessed you at this point anyway from what you're saying and has reassured you he does not think you are suffering from an out of control infection which is causing tetanus. I'm sure had he had the least amount of suspicion on this injury of such a complication you would've received some type of globulin or anti-toxoid treatment.

The other detail that is important to note is that last year there were blood tests performed which showed that your immune system was fully competent against the complications of tetanus by way of having sufficient ANTIBODY TITERS. You didn't specifically give the numbers, however, if your titers are anything over 0.1 IU/mL then, you are considered well protected....nothing to worry about.

If you combine that information with the fact that your wound is likely uncomplicated and clean as well as the fact that it has now been a week and your symptoms are definitely not of the classic type of things we would see in a person with developing or evolving tetanus then, more reason to support your doctor's perspective.

The very earliest symptoms of tetanic exotoxin production (the chemical substance produced by the infecting spores from a dirty wound) actually turns out to be TRISMUS (severe and painful locking of the muscles of mastication) with subsequent SPAMS (not just cramps)...heavy duty and painful spasms of entire large muscle groups. You are referring twitches that are generalized over the body which are highly consistent with your anxious psychological condition. Muscle spasms are not likely (in fact, quite unlikely) to develop or evolve from pure psychological stress. HOWEVER, twitches? Those are EXTREMELY likely to come about due to nervousness and I believe you've already experienced these in the past related to your dog's bite injury.....and you'll recall that tetanus never evolved from that instance of a puncture wound.

Finally, if it is definitely the case that you've not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years...and if your timeline is correct you really have not had a booster since 1997 then, I believe it is totally reasonable to get a booster shot at this time...not really in response to this incident because again, I don't believe there is any evidence you're suffering from a tetanus episode. Rather, it is a good idea to get booster of tetanus every 10 years according to general Health code standards virtually across the globe as far as I know (at least in the U.S.). Even if your TITERS are adequate I would still recommend to you (if you were my patient) that you get a booster shot....IF IT IS DEFINITELY true that you've not had 1 in 10 years.

However, perhaps, you have in fact had a booster somewhere along the way...and maybe that's why your titers are still in good range? I'm not sure I can explain those 2 facts although boosters have been known to give even >10 years of protection in some individuals. I just figure since 10 is a round number to keep in mind I simply tell all my patients (and my FAMILY!) that every 10 years we are going through a cycle of getting everyone boosted. Of course, if during the course of those 10 years there is reason to get a booster such as a deep cut, infected or complicated looking scratch, animal bite, etc. then, their next booster would be 10 years from that point.

Bottom line is that after 7 days of having suffered a relatively minor and uncomplicated wound I believe you are suffering from benign muscle twitches and fasciculations driven by stress and psychological anxiety and not any type of tetanic process. Your lab numbers apparently support an intact and competent immune system and you are not exhibiting the most common and earlier recognized signs of tetanus. Also, you've been assessed by your doctor in these past few days and he is of the same opinion that tetanus is not to worry on so I encourage you to ease your mind on the topic and simply figure out whether or not you've had your BOOSTER in the past 10 years.

If so, then, I wouldn't push for another injection at this time...not even immune globulin...don't necessarily want to overdo a good thing! LOL.....If you are definitely certain that you've received a booster of tetanus toxoid in the past 10 years then, independent of what lab titers show I think it's reasonable for you to get the booster and make sure you document this information so that it's ready to recycle in 10 years.

If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors in CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns and given you a better direction as to which way a conversation would best be had with your doctor to accomplish what I suggested above.

I think this is an excellent summary from the U.S. government's Centers for Disease control (CDC) on tetanus and on the same page you'll find links having to do with suggested vaccination and other treatment protocols.

https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/index.html

Cheers mate!

This query required 44 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I agree with your doctor that you are SAFE and twitches are NOT tetanus

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. Sorry that you're feeling so anxious about your condition. I've read your other consults with colleagues and can see that you are rather careful and cautious when it comes to issues of your health. In this case, I would say this is a good thing, since that tells me that the wound you mentioned to the palm of your hand was probably what we would refer to as a "clean and uncomplicated wound." I believe you would've mentioned something in your introductory details about the hand being red, swollen, or showing signs of infectious complication in which case that would be more concering to me for possible tetanus infection. However, I wouldn't be surprised if you cleaned the wound very well when you came in from outside and have been adequately taking care of it from a week ago. Perhaps, to the point that the wound is nearly healed or scarred over.

Such a wound would have very little chance of becoming infected and I believe your doctor has already assessed you at this point anyway from what you're saying and has reassured you he does not think you are suffering from an out of control infection which is causing tetanus. I'm sure had he had the least amount of suspicion on this injury of such a complication you would've received some type of globulin or anti-toxoid treatment.

The other detail that is important to note is that last year there were blood tests performed which showed that your immune system was fully competent against the complications of tetanus by way of having sufficient ANTIBODY TITERS. You didn't specifically give the numbers, however, if your titers are anything over 0.1 IU/mL then, you are considered well protected....nothing to worry about.

If you combine that information with the fact that your wound is likely uncomplicated and clean as well as the fact that it has now been a week and your symptoms are definitely not of the classic type of things we would see in a person with developing or evolving tetanus then, more reason to support your doctor's perspective.

The very earliest symptoms of tetanic exotoxin production (the chemical substance produced by the infecting spores from a dirty wound) actually turns out to be TRISMUS (severe and painful locking of the muscles of mastication) with subsequent SPAMS (not just cramps)...heavy duty and painful spasms of entire large muscle groups. You are referring twitches that are generalized over the body which are highly consistent with your anxious psychological condition. Muscle spasms are not likely (in fact, quite unlikely) to develop or evolve from pure psychological stress. HOWEVER, twitches? Those are EXTREMELY likely to come about due to nervousness and I believe you've already experienced these in the past related to your dog's bite injury.....and you'll recall that tetanus never evolved from that instance of a puncture wound.

Finally, if it is definitely the case that you've not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years...and if your timeline is correct you really have not had a booster since 1997 then, I believe it is totally reasonable to get a booster shot at this time...not really in response to this incident because again, I don't believe there is any evidence you're suffering from a tetanus episode. Rather, it is a good idea to get booster of tetanus every 10 years according to general Health code standards virtually across the globe as far as I know (at least in the U.S.). Even if your TITERS are adequate I would still recommend to you (if you were my patient) that you get a booster shot....IF IT IS DEFINITELY true that you've not had 1 in 10 years.

However, perhaps, you have in fact had a booster somewhere along the way...and maybe that's why your titers are still in good range? I'm not sure I can explain those 2 facts although boosters have been known to give even >10 years of protection in some individuals. I just figure since 10 is a round number to keep in mind I simply tell all my patients (and my FAMILY!) that every 10 years we are going through a cycle of getting everyone boosted. Of course, if during the course of those 10 years there is reason to get a booster such as a deep cut, infected or complicated looking scratch, animal bite, etc. then, their next booster would be 10 years from that point.

Bottom line is that after 7 days of having suffered a relatively minor and uncomplicated wound I believe you are suffering from benign muscle twitches and fasciculations driven by stress and psychological anxiety and not any type of tetanic process. Your lab numbers apparently support an intact and competent immune system and you are not exhibiting the most common and earlier recognized signs of tetanus. Also, you've been assessed by your doctor in these past few days and he is of the same opinion that tetanus is not to worry on so I encourage you to ease your mind on the topic and simply figure out whether or not you've had your BOOSTER in the past 10 years.

If so, then, I wouldn't push for another injection at this time...not even immune globulin...don't necessarily want to overdo a good thing! LOL.....If you are definitely certain that you've received a booster of tetanus toxoid in the past 10 years then, independent of what lab titers show I think it's reasonable for you to get the booster and make sure you document this information so that it's ready to recycle in 10 years.

If I've provided useful or helpful information to your questions could you do me the utmost of favors in CLOSING THE QUERY along with a few positive words of feedback and maybe even a 5-star rating if you feel it is deserving? I am definitely interested in getting updated information if you'd care to drop me a line at www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

You can always reach me at the above address for this and other questions. I wish you the best with everything and hope our discussion has aided in your understanding of a few concepts related to your concerns and given you a better direction as to which way a conversation would best be had with your doctor to accomplish what I suggested above.

I think this is an excellent summary from the U.S. government's Centers for Disease control (CDC) on tetanus and on the same page you'll find links having to do with suggested vaccination and other treatment protocols.

https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/index.html

Cheers mate!

This query required 44 minutes of professional time to research, assimilate, and file a response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (2 hours later)
Hi
Wow thats a long and great answer
Good Job.
However.
No, i did not go to clean the scratch nor did the doctor see it before it had gone about 6 days. It was a bit red around the scratch, but now it has healed.
It is not only twitches, but tender/sore muscles that actually are painfull in legs, arms and neck as i stated.
I understand that you might think this is all anxiety and try to calm me down, and i thank you for that. But these are symptoms that start before i get anxious of tetanus.
I also read that tetanus starts with lockjaw OR stiff neck. My neck was the first thing to hurt and become stiff. Still is, but now also cramps in legs etc.
Thank you sir, for answering.
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Hi
Wow thats a long and great answer
Good Job.
However.
No, i did not go to clean the scratch nor did the doctor see it before it had gone about 6 days. It was a bit red around the scratch, but now it has healed.
It is not only twitches, but tender/sore muscles that actually are painfull in legs, arms and neck as i stated.
I understand that you might think this is all anxiety and try to calm me down, and i thank you for that. But these are symptoms that start before i get anxious of tetanus.
I also read that tetanus starts with lockjaw OR stiff neck. My neck was the first thing to hurt and become stiff. Still is, but now also cramps in legs etc.
Thank you sir, for answering.
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (3 hours later)
Si with this New information maybe you think otherwise?
default
Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Si with this New information maybe you think otherwise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Clinical picture not consistent with tetanus even with clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon and thank you very much for clarifying some assumptions that I had previously made that were slightly incorrect. However, even with the new information that you did not necessarily clean the wound immediately along with the fact that you believe a stiff neck is important in the constellation of symptoms having to do with tetanus (most common cause of neck stiffness is muscle strain).... you are still not describing the picture of patients I’ve seen with tetanus which presents rather dramatically and mainly to ER’s at which point they are admitted to ICU’s. I appreciate that you have done reading on the Internet with regard to symptoms having to do with cervical stiffness but since this also appeared quickly after your gardening and yard cleaning activities you are likely suffering more from muscle strain rather than anything more sinister. It takes time for the infection following contamination of the wound to produce enough exotoxins to begin manifesting clinically as unrelenting spasms (different in the medical sense compared to muscle cramps).

The most common cause of neck pain and stiffness is muscle strain usually due to over exertion and physical activity but also can be due to sleeping posture and other things. Also, you have now included the presence of some muscle cramps. There are a number of other things that can cause muscle cramps including overexertion, electrolyte disturbances, etc. all of which are highly more likely than tetanus. The most important and significant of muscle spasms that occurs almost universally with tetanus is that of trismus (lockjaw) and you do not report this key finding which really should’ve manifest itself by now if you were to actually be suffering from tetanus.

You are also not taking into consideration that your immune titers according to your doctor were found to be adequate and normal which means that your body’s immune system is judged to be fully competent against the effects of the exotoxin.

However, notwithstanding all of the information I have given above and in my other response I know you have different opinions. Therefore, should you still feel there is a potentially serious problem developing in the guise of tetanus then, the best advice I can give you in order to expedite support measures any patient should have with that diagnosis is for you to present to an emergency room for immediate evaluation.

I am interested in the results of that evaluation and to know your health is well protected so please let me know what’s up by dropping me a line with updates to www.bit.ly/dariushsaghafi and if you would also do me the favor of leaving a few words of feedback along with a 5 star rating if you feel these responses were deserving- I’d be most appreciative. Cheers!


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Clinical picture not consistent with tetanus even with clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon and thank you very much for clarifying some assumptions that I had previously made that were slightly incorrect. However, even with the new information that you did not necessarily clean the wound immediately along with the fact that you believe a stiff neck is important in the constellation of symptoms having to do with tetanus (most common cause of neck stiffness is muscle strain).... you are still not describing the picture of patients I’ve seen with tetanus which presents rather dramatically and mainly to ER’s at which point they are admitted to ICU’s. I appreciate that you have done reading on the Internet with regard to symptoms having to do with cervical stiffness but since this also appeared quickly after your gardening and yard cleaning activities you are likely suffering more from muscle strain rather than anything more sinister. It takes time for the infection following contamination of the wound to produce enough exotoxins to begin manifesting clinically as unrelenting spasms (different in the medical sense compared to muscle cramps).

The most common cause of neck pain and stiffness is muscle strain usually due to over exertion and physical activity but also can be due to sleeping posture and other things. Also, you have now included the presence of some muscle cramps. There are a number of other things that can cause muscle cramps including overexertion, electrolyte disturbances, etc. all of which are highly more likely than tetanus. The most important and significant of muscle spasms that occurs almost universally with tetanus is that of trismus (lockjaw) and you do not report this key finding which really should’ve manifest itself by now if you were to actually be suffering from tetanus.

You are also not taking into consideration that your immune titers according to your doctor were found to be adequate and normal which means that your body’s immune system is judged to be fully competent against the effects of the exotoxin.

However, notwithstanding all of the information I have given above and in my other response I know you have different opinions. Therefore, should you still feel there is a potentially serious problem developing in the guise of tetanus then, the best advice I can give you in order to expedite support measures any patient should have with that diagnosis is for you to present to an emergency room for immediate evaluation.

I am interested in the results of that evaluation and to know your health is well protected so please let me know what’s up by dropping me a line with updates to www.bit.ly/dariushsaghafi and if you would also do me the favor of leaving a few words of feedback along with a 5 star rating if you feel these responses were deserving- I’d be most appreciative. Cheers!


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Hello My Concern Is Regarding Tetanus . I Am Really

Hello My concern is regarding tetanus. I am really anxious that i have contracted this. 7 days ago i worked outside with gravel. I scratch my palm with the shovel. It is not deep or long. After this, i started to clean the garden by throwing away branches of trees that har been laying on the lawn for almost a year. Two-three days after, i had twitches of my left arm lower muscle. The scratch is on my right hand. The morning after, i wake up with a very stiff neck. Now, 7 days later i have a bit stiffness and small cramps in legs and arms. A year ago, i had a dog bite (small puncture), and had the same symptoms. That time my doctor sent bloodwork to hospital, and results were that something called titer?? Shows i was immune to difteria and tetanus. However i can not remember to have had vaccination since my youth. This time the doctor says it's impossible that this is tetanus. I disagree. I feel the symptoms are spot on for tetanus, and wonder what i should do?