Lockjaw - Complications of tetanus

If a tetanus infection is severe, several possible complications can develop.

Sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death is the most serious complication of tetanus. It is a leading cause of death in people with the condition.

Sudden cardiac death is where the heart suddenly stops beating. It can occur for a variety of reasons and usually only happens in people who are already very ill with tetanus (in an intensive care unit).

Sudden cardiac death is not the same as a heart attack, which is where the flow of blood to the heart becomes restricted, causing the muscles of the heart to become damaged.

Pulmonary embolism

Like all very ill people, people with tetanus are at risk of a pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs that can affect breathing and circulation. Therefore, it is vital that anti-clotting medication and, if necessary, oxygen therapy are given immediately.

Read more about treating pulmonary embolisms.

Aspiration pneumonia

As people with tetanus have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) because of muscle stiffness and spasms, there is a risk that small amounts of saliva could fall down into their lungs. This can cause an infection known as aspiration pneumonia.

Aspiration pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.

Acute kidney failure

The severe muscle spasms associated with a tetanus infection can cause a condition known as rhabdomyolysis.

In rhabdomyolysis, muscle tissues are broken down, causing a protein called myoglobin to leak into the urine. This can cause acute kidney failure, where the kidneys suddenly lose most or all of their functions.