[Tetanus: a rare, life-threatening infection with trismus as a symptom].

A 73-year-old woman was presented at the Accidents and Emergency Department with trismus. The cause was an acute tetanus infection due to a small, superficial wound from bumping her lower leg against a stool. Tetanus is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, primarily occurring in contaminated, anaerobic wounds. The infection leads to muscle spasms, often starting with trismus. For oral healthcare providers, it is crucial to check the vaccination status of patients with injuries and to be aware of the Dutch guidelines and protocols regarding tetanus prophylaxis.