Tetanus

A review

The lecture duration is 15min.

0.25 CPD Points, 0.25 CEUs, 0.25 CME credits approval pending.
Accredited by CPDUK, CBRN and Provider Pending.

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Louise Thwaites
Associate Professor in the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health at the University of Oxford
Lecture Summary

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease that can occur in unvaccinated individuals anywhere. The disease is caused by a powerful neurotoxin which results in muscle spasms and, in severe cases, autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Without good care and access to mechanical ventilation, mortality is high. The principles of treatment are first to prevent further toxin uptake into the central nervous system (debridement, antibiotics and antitoxin), to provide supportive care (control of spasms and effects of autonomic nervous system dysfunction) and to give a full primary vaccination course as infection does not confer immunity.

Target Audience

Critical Care Doctors
Experienced Critical Care Nurses

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

  • Describe the pathophysiology of tetanus
  • Understand the principles of tetanus management
  • Appreciate the most important factors that impact outcomes following tetanus infection

None.