title: Otogenic tetanus: case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Otogenic tetanus is rare and even when they occur, they present mainly as cephalic tetanus. Chronic suppurative Otitis media and injudicious attempt to remove foreign bodies with resultant tissue damage are main predisposing factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case notes of all the patients who presented with tetanus at the pediatric ward of the Central hospital Warri Nigeria following ear infections and foreign body in the ears in 2008 were retrieved.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four cases were seen. All had generalized tetanus. Two patients had chronic suppurative Otitis media while one patient had a traumatic removal of a foreign body. The last patient developed tetanus following treatment of his ear discharge with native gin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health education is still very necessary with emphasis on complete immunization. Children less than three years should not be unnecessarily exposed to foreign bodies. Early referral to Otorhinolaryngologists for patients with chronic Otitis media or foreign bodies in the ear is advised.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology, Delta State University.
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Ugwu
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Okolugbo
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000382:microbiology*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis*