The term "trismus" indicates spasms of the masseter muscles (present in the jaw) caused by tetanus infection. Tetanus is a serious disease and in all cases it must always be managed by medical personnel. In addition to the doctor's directions, there are some remedies you can follow to manage pain and jaw spasms.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Seek Medical Help
Step 1. Learn about this spastic muscle contracture
The term "trismus" indicates a series of spasms of a tetanic nature in the masseter muscles found in the jaw. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle contractures; there is no cure and 10-20% of cases end in death, which is why preventive vaccination is the most effective weapon.
- Currently, most people are vaccinated when they are still young, so the disease is quite rare. The protection offered by the injection lasts for 10 years, so sooner or later a booster is needed to maintain immunity.
- The infection is not contagious; it contracts through an open wound, usually deep, which allows bacteria present in the environment to enter the body. This is why every patient who comes to the emergency room with a deep wound is asked about tetanus vaccination.
- Symptoms of tetanus begin to manifest about a week after infection. In addition to jaw spasms (trismus in fact), the other symptoms are headache, fever, sweating, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, irritability and abnormal facial expressions, caused by muscle stiffness and contractures.
Step 2. Go to the hospital as soon as possible
Ideally, you should be examined as soon as there is potential exposure to the bacterium. Usually, this happens when you get deeply injured and the infection poses a real risk; It is a standardized protocol for emergency room physicians to inquire about patients' latest tetanus vaccination. If you have not had the injection for over ten years, you will be injected with tetanus immunoglobulins and then the vaccine.
- Immunoglobulins are administered by intramuscular injection. The solution contains IgG, antibodies synthesized by the human body to get rid of all the toxins produced by the bacterium that causes tetanus. In this way, the immune system is strengthened to help it overcome the infection.
- The recommended dosage for children and adults is 250 units intramuscularly. Sometimes, a mild local anesthetic is given to reduce the pain associated with the injection, which should always be done under medical supervision.
- Healthcare professionals will thoroughly clean the wound and remove any foreign objects in the wound to reduce the chances of developing infection.
- Remember that if you are already showing symptoms of trismus, it means that you have delayed too long before seeking medical help. However, the doctor will still give you the injection, although it is best to do it first (immunoglobulins are somewhat effective later on as well).
Step 3. Try medications
To manage pain associated with spasms, your doctor may recommend ibuprofen or naproxen. These medicines reduce inflammation in the joint tissue and relieve pain.
- You may also be prescribed muscle relaxants, such as carisoprodol, to help relieve muscle tension in the jaw and other parts of the body.
- Sometimes the doctor also prescribes antibiotics to defeat the infection, as well as administering immunoglobulins which are a common practice in all cases of trismus.
- You may also need to take sedatives to try to cope with the spasms. Breathing and heart rate can be altered by muscle contractions and by taking the sedatives themselves. However, in very severe cases, hospitalization is also required in the intensive care unit. These facilities are ideal for critically ill patients because they allow constant monitoring of vital functions, such as breathing and heart rate, until complete recovery.
Method 2 of 2: Use Home Remedies to Manage Symptoms
Step 1. Try the massage
By massaging the masseter muscles and jaw joint you can experience some pain relief. Apply gentle pressure to the jaw muscles and rub them to relieve discomfort.
With the help of your index and middle fingers, rub your cheeks until you find the sore spot on your jaw. Then massage the area for thirty seconds, following a circular motion with your fingers. Be careful and don't press too hard. You should apply the right force to trigger relaxation without causing pain
Step 2. Use heat
Heat therapy is perfect for relaxing muscles and allows you to get rid of contractures by increasing your blood supply. Use a hot water bottle or warmer and apply it to the affected area. Keep the compress on the sore site for about half an hour.
Be careful not to use too strong a heat source, as you could burn yourself
Step 3. Cool the area
Ice packs, in combination with warm ones, are a perfect remedy. Place the ice pack on your jaw for 5-10 minutes after the heat treatment and alternate between the two packs.
Step 4. Keep in mind that these home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment
You must use them only to reduce the pain caused by jaw spasms triggered by the tetanus infection; remember that immunoglobulin administration and medical intervention are the key to recovery.
