Case report:
A female of 28 years with history of left leg bullock cart injury
admitted in emergency, having fever and multiple skeleton muscle spasms,
specially lockjaw and opisthotonos. She was kept in tetanus ward and
managed conservatively in dark room for 24 hrs with high dose sedatives
(Diazepam), antibiotics and antipyretic measures with debridement and
dressing of wound done, ATS was also given. Then waited for 24 hours
until now she continuously presented with lockjaw and multiple
respiratory muscle spasm.
Then we put Ryle’s tube and dopamine agonists in the form of Levodopa
and carbidopa combination (Syndopa 275 mg) given. The muscle spasm, a
characteristic feature of tetanus, is much relived. The patient got
relief not only in exhaustion but also regained smooth respiration. This
treatment continued for 2 to 3 weeks till normal knee and ankle jerks
and stabilization of patient.
After 3 weeks patient was discharged with no residual tetanic spasm and
then Syndopa was stopped.
Since this is the pilot study in a single case with excellent result, we
are planning to study with more cases.