Use of dantrolene sodium in the treatment of symptomatic Clostridium tetani infection requiring intermittent positive pressure ventilation

Abstract

A 71-year-old lady had tetanus with severe spasms requiring neuromuscular paralysis and mechanical ventilation. She was treated with intravenous dantrolene sodium with prompt control of her spasms allowing her to be rapidly weaned off ventilation. We believe dantrolene sodium is a useful adjunct in the management of tetanus.