An unusual cause of fever in a patient with tetanus

“Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system characterized by persistent tonic spasm, with violent brief exacerbations. The spasm almost always commences in the muscles of the neck and jaw causing closure of the jaws, and involves the muscles of the trunk more than the limbs. It is always acute in onset, and a very large proportion of those affected die.” (Sir Wiliam Gowers, 1888). 1 A patient with generalised tetanus who during the course of his admission developed an unexplained fever is described. The correct second diagnosis was made once the patient’s relatives brought a regular medication the patient was taking prior to medical