Cephalic Tetanus without Injury – A Rare Presentation of Tetanus

Abstract

Tetanus is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which accounted 58,900 deaths worldwide in 2013.1 Usually tetanus is generalized, rarely it can be localized also. 20-30% of cases will not have any puncture wound. In this case report, we present a case of tetanus with rare manifestation (localized tetanus presented with trismus without any puncture wound). Multiple rare associations like tetanus presenting with trismus, tetanus occurring in the absence of puncture wound strengthens the need for reporting this case which if left unnoticed would have been detrimental to the patient.