Question
My baby is 1 year old and has gone to see a doctor because of a crooked neck. The doctor just took a look and said it was pediatric tetanus. But she was completely normal during her month. What are the symptoms of neonatal tetanus?
Answer
Hello, based on your description, considering neonatal tetanus. The incubation period for the disease is generally 4-12 days, with an average of 7 days. Tetanus is an acute disease caused by Clostridium tetani. The symptoms include: in the early stages of the disease, there are symptoms such as wanting to eat but unable to, causing restlessness and crying; then, due to facial muscle spasms, there are symptoms like tight teeth clenching, furrowed brows, pulled corners of the face, and a grimacing expression. This is followed by generalized convulsions and increased muscle tension. Currently, the baby is 1 year old and has symptoms such as neck tilt or torticollis. It is recommended to seek treatment in the rehabilitation department of a local regular hospital after confirmation.