title: Cephalic tetanus complicating geriatric fall.
abstract: We report a case of cephalic tetanus which initially presented with acute lower motor neurone facial weakness. Tetanus is a rare diagnosis in the developed world but sporadic cases do occur. People born before 1960 in New Zealand are less likely to be immune. Judicious use of human tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) and immunisation prevents the development of tetanus following injury and should always be considered in the elderly who are less likely to have immunity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. Josie.Mccabe@cdhb.health.nz.
authors.forename: Josie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCabe
authors.forename: Tessa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: La Varis
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009336:Necrosis; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D014313:Trismus / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D008795:Metronidazole