Tetanus presenting as painful muscle spasms, dysphagia and delirium in an older adult.

Abstract

While tetanus is now a rare disease in the UK, it remains an important differential diagnosis for trismus and muscle spasms. Even more so in older adults, as this population is less likely to have received full vaccination. Hence, the highest incidence of tetanus in England is seen in older adults. Written informed consent for publication of their clinical details was obtained from the patient proxy.