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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Tetany and Tetanus?

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Tetany and tetanus are two different medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as muscle spasms and contractions, but they have distinct differences:

Tetany:

  • Tetany is a symptom, not a disease, and can be caused by various conditions.
  • It involves overly stimulated neuromuscular activity and can range from mild cramping of the arms or legs to dangerous changes in heart muscle function.
  • Tetany is characterized by intermittent muscular spasms, usually with intervening periods of recovery.
  • It can be caused by electrolyte disturbances, low calcium levels, or other factors.

Tetanus:

  • Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
  • It affects the central nervous system and is not a symptom, but a disease condition.
  • Tetanus causes dangerous full-body nerve stimulation and can lead to fatal complications.
  • The incubation period for tetanus is typically 6 to 10 days, but it might be as long as a few weeks to several months.

Some key differences between tetany and tetanus include:

  • Tetany is a clinical manifestation, while tetanus is a disease.
  • Tetany can be caused by various conditions, whereas tetanus is caused by a specific bacterium.
  • Tetany is characterized by intermittent muscular spasms, while tetanus causes continuous nerve stimulation.

In summary, tetany is a symptom that can be caused by various conditions and is characterized by intermittent muscular spasms, while tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, affecting the central nervous system and leading to continuous nerve stimulation.

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  • What is the Difference Between Tetany and Tetanus?
  • Comparative Table: Tetany vs Tetanus

    • Comparative Table: Tetany vs Tetanus

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between tetany and tetanus:

    Feature Tetany Tetanus
    Definition Tetany is a clinical manifestation characterized by muscular spasms, usually with intervening periods of recovery. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms.
    Causes Causes include hypocalcemia, decreased magnesium levels, acidosis, and toxins such as botulinum toxin and tetanospasmin. Caused by the soluble exotoxin from Clostridium tetani.
    Symptoms Involuntary muscle cramps and contractions, most often in the hands and feet, which can extend throughout the body and even into the larynx, causing breathing problems. Muscle spasms, numbness around the mouth, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
    Treatment Treatment goals are to correct the imbalance, which might include supplementing with calcium or magnesium, injecting calcium directly into the bloodstream, or taking calcium orally with vitamin D for absorption. Treatment includes wound care, antibiotics, sedatives, and muscle relaxants.
    Prevention Preventing tetany often depends on pinpointing the underlying cause and addressing it. Preventable through immunization and proper wound care.

    In summary, tetany is related to low calcium levels and muscle spasms, while tetanus is a bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness and spasms.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.