What Is Tetanus?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. What Are the Complications of Tetanus?
The most serious complication of tetanus is death. Approximately 30% of all patients who get tetanus eventually die from it. However, in patients over the age of 60, this figure increases to just over 50%. Death from tetanus usually results from respiratory failure due to muscle contractions of the chest.
If the brain is affected by the infection in the bloodstream, convulsions may result called tetanic seizures. The tension on the bones due to severe muscle contractions can cause them to fracture. This may include the bones of the spine, especially in children.
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