TY - JOUR TI - Trismus as a clinical manifestation of tetanus: A case report AU - Papadiochos, I. AU - Papadiochou, S. AU - Petsinis, V. AU - Goutzanis, L. AU - Atsali, C. AU - Papadogeorgakis, N. JO - Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache PY - 2016 VL - 30 TODO - 4 SP - 355-362 PB - Quintessence Publishing Co, Inc SN - null TODO - 10.11607/ofph.1703 TODO - case report; complication; human; male; middle aged; tetanus; trismus, Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Tetanus; Trismus TODO - Although the incidence of tetanus disease has radically declined in developed countries, both dental practitioners and oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be knowledgeable about its diagnosis since initial manifestations of the disease, such as trismus and dysphagia, are observed in the orofacial region. This study reports on a case of generalized tetanus diagnosed in a middle-aged man. Before the tetanus diagnosis, the patient had sought medical advice from seven different health care professionals, including a dentist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The patient reported trismus and dysphagia as his main complaints. The suspicion of tetanus emerged from the patient's manifestations in conjunction with his history of trauma and his agricultural occupation. The patient underwent successful treatment including administration of muscle relaxants, antibiotics, and booster vaccination doses of tetanus toxoid as well as a tracheostomy and aided mechanical ventilation. This case report highlights the significance of taking a meticulous medical history, thoroughly performing a physical examination, and systematically assessing orofacial signs and symptoms. © 2016 by Quintessence Publishing Co Inc. ER -