What question did this study set out to answer?

To present a case of successful management of generalized tetanus in an unvaccinated adolescent patient.

February 26, 2026International Medical Case Reports Journal1 citationsOpen Access

Generalized Tetanus in an Unvaccinated Adolescent: A Case Report on Successful Management in a Resource-Limited Setting

AAAbdirahin Mohamed AbdulkadirSIMAD University IAIsmail Mahad AbdullahiSIMAD University FHFartun HassanSIMAD University

Key Points

To present a case of successful management of generalized tetanus in an unvaccinated adolescent patient.
Descriptive case report of a 17-year-old male with generalized tetanus.
Management included urgent wound debridement and administration of antibiotics and tetanus immunoglobulin.
Intensive care interventions included sedation, mechanical ventilation, and tracheostomy.
Multidisciplinary ICU approach with physiotherapy support.
The patient was intubated due to respiratory compromise and underwent tracheostomy.
Gradual weaning from sedation and mechanical ventilation was achieved after extended ICU stay.
Patient was discharged in stable condition with complete neurological recovery.

Abstract

Background: Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease caused by Clostridium tetani . Among its clinical forms, cephalic tetanus is the rarest, representing only 1– 3% of cases. It is typically characterized by cranial nerve involvement, rapid progression to generalized tetanus, and a high risk of mortality. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 17-year-old male with no prior tetanus vaccination who presented with trismus, painful muscle spasms, and opisthotonos following a traumatic head injury. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, electrolyte disturbances, and raised inflammatory markers. Management included urgent wound debridement, administration Antibiotics and tetanus immunoglobulin. Intensive sedation was required to control recurrent spasms. Due to respiratory compromise, the patient was intubated and subsequently underwent tracheostomy. After an extended stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), gradual weaning from both sedation and mechanical ventilation was achieved. He was ultimately discharged in stable condition with full neurological recovery. Discussion: This case illustrates the aggressive course of Generalized tetanus and highlights the critical importance of early airway protection. Tracheostomy proved essential in reducing morbidity and facilitating prolonged ventilatory support. Despite limited resources, coordinated multidisciplinary ICU care, including physiotherapy, contributed significantly to the patient’s favorable outcome. Conclusion: This case shows that generalized tetanus remains a serious but entirely preventable disease, occurring mainly in individuals who are not vaccinated. It highlights how early recognition, prompt antitoxin therapy, careful intensive care management, and timely airway intervention can lead to good outcomes, even in resource-limited settings. Above all, it reinforces vaccination as the most effective and lasting measure to prevent tetanus and reduce its associated morbidity and mortality. Keywords: tetanus, generalized tetanus, tracheostomy, intensive care

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Cite This Study

Abdulkadir et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699fe34695ddcd3a253e6fdf https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2147/imcrj.s586193

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