Yes, tetanus does affect nerves.
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which produces a potent poison called tetanus toxin, also known as tetanospasmin. This toxin has a direct impact on the nervous system.
How Tetanus Toxin Impacts Nerves
According to the provided reference, the mechanism involves the toxin interfering with nerve function:
- Entry: Tetanus spores typically enter the body through wounds or injuries.
- Activation: Inside the body, these spores become active bacteria.
- Toxin Production: The bacteria produce tetanus toxin.
- Nerve Signal Blockage: This toxin travels and blocks nerve signals from your spinal cord to your muscles.
- Muscle Spasms: The disruption of these signals leads to severe, painful muscle contractions and spasms, characteristic of tetanus (often called "lockjaw" when affecting facial muscles).
Essentially, the toxin disrupts the normal communication pathway between the nerves in the spinal cord and the muscles, preventing the muscles from relaxing properly.
