The microorganisms grow in dead or damaged tissue that does not have an adequate blood supply and therefore has a low oxygen level. Infection may result from any wound that is contaminated by infected soil. The initial symptoms include stiffness of the jaw, slight difficulty in swallowing, restlessness, and stiffness of the arms, legs, and neck. This may be accompanied by stiffness of the facial muscles, which may contract to produce a characteristic fixed grin. As the stiffness increases, there may be painful convulsions, which may be fatal.
Hospitalization is necessary.
A tracheostomy, a temporary opening in the windpipe, may be performed, and the patient may be given mechanical artificial respiration to aid breathing. An intravenous infusion may also be necessary to correct the patient's fluid balance. Antitoxin in the form of gamma globulin is given to reduce the effect of the toxin. Antibiotics may also be given to decrease the number of bacteria present that can produce toxins. Muscle relaxant drugs will reduce the muscle spasms, and drugs that cause complete paralysis may be used when the patient is maintained on artificial respiration.