” STOP GRINNING AT ME”
His face took up various contortions when he was brought into the emergency room. His body was so stiff, you would have wondered if he didn’t have a flexible spine, probably if you had met him at one of the popular comedy shows you would have exclaimed saying what a great comic he is. But this is not a comedy, this is the emergency room and the look on the patient is not comical it is called Risus Sardonicus (Devil’s grin).
WHAT IT IS
Risus sardonicus is a characteristic feature of a patient with Tetanus.
HOW IT OCCURS
Tetanus occurs when a wound is contaminated. The wound may be so small to have been overlooked by the individual.
The characteristic grinning expression is caused by spasm of the muscles of the face. The spasms spread and may occur spontaneously or be induced by either sound or light, this may eventually affect the muscles for respiration and lead to death if severe and improperly managed.
PREVENTION
1. Immunization (ask your health care provider)
2. Wearing of shoes in sandy areas and general outdoors, also at risk occupations like farmers
3. Proper management of wounds.
MANAGEMENT
Of an established case should be in the hospital.
(Dr Erhumu works in the emergency section of one of Nigeria’s busiest hospitals)
