Cephalic tetanus; A Case Report

Abstract

A 68-year-old male was admitted with weakness of right side of face along with difficulty in speech and swallowing. Clinical examination was invariable with findings of C.N. VII palsy, weak gag reflex but rest of the neurological examination was normal. Brain imaging was non-conclusive. During hospital stay, he developed tachycardia followed by desaturation and marked facial spasm leading to clinical diagnosis of tetanus. Urgent tracheostomy along with TIG were given and over few days patient’s spasm declines without notable autonomic instability. Patient was discharged after one week with advice of follow-up in OPD.