Patient's question:
Jaw tightly closed, body leaning backDoctor's answer:
Analysis of the Condition:Neonatal tetanus, commonly known as "four-six wind" or "seven-day wind," is characterized by jaw stiffness and primarily manifests as spasms. Generally, the onset is severe, but please don't panic—modern medicine has already developed treatments and cures for it.
Recommendations:
Place the child in a quiet, dimly lit environment to minimize stimuli and reduce spasm attacks. During spasm episodes, temporarily withhold food. Nutritional support can be provided via intravenous infusion during this period. After symptoms subside, try feeding via a stomach tube. Clean the umbilicus with 3% hydrogen peroxide, then apply iodine and alcohol. Administer tetanus antitoxin (TAT) at 10,000–20,000 IU via intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion, along with 3,000 IU around the umbilicus. A skin allergy test must be performed before administration, or tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) at 500 IU can be given via intramuscular injection. However, antitoxin only neutralizes free tetanus virus and is ineffective against toxins already bound to gangliosides. Therefore, the earlier it is used, the better. Controlling spasms with anticonvulsant drugs is key to successful treatment. Thus, we strongly recommend you take the child to a hospital for systematic and standardized treatment. Early treatment can lead to a cure.