An unusual cause of 'ptosis'.
A 29-year-old man with a history of dental restoration procedure was referred for a left Bell's palsy. At the emergency department, he complained instead of deteriorating unilateral ptosis and dysphagia. Incidentally, trismus was also noted. He was diagnosed with cephalic tetanus, which rapidly progressed to generalized tetanus. Ptosis is an unusual presenting complaint of tetanus. In this case, we attempt to explain how facial weakness, ptosis, and cephalic tetanus are all related. We also highlight the key aspects of tetanus in relation to the emergency physician.
Wee
Eric W L
EW
Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Ooi
Shirley B S
SB
D000328:Adult; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis; D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014313:Trismus / Q000209:etiology
D003402:Creatine Kinase