Tetany vs. Tetanus: Understanding the Key Differences

Complete tetany:

- A condition characterized by sustained, involuntary muscle contractions involving the extremities, trunk, and face.

- Caused by severely low levels of calcium in the body (hypocalcemia) leading to increased nerve excitability.

- Symptoms include numbness, tingling sensations, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, carpopedal spasm (wrist and foot contractures), laryngospasm (difficulty breathing), and generalized convulsions.

- Can be a life-threatening emergency if not treated promptly.

Tetanus:

- An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

- Characterized by severe and sustained muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw muscles (lockjaw or trismus) and neck.

- Caused by a potent neurotoxin (tetanospasmin) produced by the bacteria, which interferes with the proper functioning of inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system.

- Symptoms may include rigidity and stiffness of muscles, difficulty swallowing, facial muscle spasms, painful muscle spasms that can become generalized, increased sweating, fever, and anxiety.

- Tetanus can be fatal if not treated appropriately, which involves wound care, administration of antitoxin, antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and supportive measures.