Cephalic tetanus, a form of localized tetanus, can be defined as trismus plus involvement of one or more cranial nerves. Cephalic tetanus occasionally occurs as a sequel to otitis media or craniofacial injuries. Here we report a case of cephalic tetanus in a 6 year old boy with right facial nerve palsy, but no known risk factors for the development of tetanus. The child responded favourably to the timely medical management. Summing up, even though prompt medical management may improve the outcome of this life threatening disease, timely immunization can certainly prevent its occurrence.

Keywords: cephalic tetanus, facial nerve palsy, child

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Uzma Firdaus

Dept of Pediatrics, J.N.Medical College, A.M.U, Aligarh, India

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