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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > T > Tetanus

Tetanus   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Lockjaw

Symptoms

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and Tests

Diagnosis of tetanus is based on the history and physical findings that are characteristic of the disease. Diagnostic studies generally are of little value. Cultures of the wound site are negative for Clostridium tetani two-thirds of the time. When the culture is positive, it is diagnostic.

Tests that may sometimes be performed include:

  • Culture of the wound site
  • Tetanus antibody test
  • Other tests to rule-out meningitis, rabies, strychnine poisoning or other diseases with similar symptoms

Ency. home > Disease > T > Tetanus

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