Treatment of tetanus syndrome
Tetanus syndrome, i.e. tetany, is actually not a disease. Not in the true sense of the word. Threatening symptoms belong to the group of psychosomatic problems and are considered an epidemic of the 21st century. Diagnosis is in the hands of an expert – a neurologist. In addition to the anamnesis and clinical examination, an electromyographic examination, the so-called EMG. Patients of SZC Hippokrates have the advantage that they do not have to go to other medical facilities. A condition for successful treatment is not only the regular use of magnesium and vitamins, but also a change in lifestyle with an emphasis on stress management and relaxation.
What does the expert say?
Interview with neurologist MUDr. Terezia Macková.
Is there a right time to see a therapist?
Clients come to art therapist S. Točík Berkyová with various manifestations of tetanic syndrome: “Most often they have difficulties connected with general exhaustion. They live in psychological and physical discomfort, they are troubled by soreness, prickling or tingling in various parts of the body. At the beginning of the therapy, they are unable to concentrate any longer, they are sore. Tetany is a syndrome that is also associated with anxiety, depression, fear of death or serious illness. The range of health problems here is quite extensive and it is worth coming at any time.”
The overall treatment is set for each patient by a neurologist and proceeds according to their individual needs. Lifestyle changes are needed, and in addition to mineral and vitamin supplementation, supportive therapies are particularly appropriate. “In my practice, I see that clients with tetany are helped by several approaches – psychotherapy, regular therapeutic massages, magnesium salt baths, meditation relaxation techniques, animotherapy and the like. It is essential that they are correctly combined and appropriately chosen according to the individuality of the client. I personally found it useful to use art therapy and music therapy techniques aimed at relaxation, self-discovery, work with life priorities, and work with self-confidence. Sound healing techniques, techniques of spontaneous creation and many others are also effective,” explains Sasha Točík Berkyová.
I guess there is no disease in which experts from the medical community – scientific and practical, therapeutic – do not emphasize prevention. A healthy lifestyle, regular medical check-ups, sometimes vaccinations… It’s the same with tetany. According to Točíková Berkyová, all the time we devote to ourselves helps us heal: “Tetanus is not a disease in the true sense of the word. Its manifestations are mainly triggered by a high level of coercion and stress, and if we add to that the exhaustion of the organism, then the body cannot cope with such a situation for a long time without problems.”
Start prevention today
The number of people with tetany has been rising sharply in recent years. Even lay people suspect that health problems reflect the fast and pressured times in which many of us find ourselves. We lack space and time for passive relaxation and quality sleep. In our haste, we miss out on meaningful activities that bring us authentic joy. Many of us struggle to function in dysfunctional relationships and stress ourselves out even more than we need to. Mental health topics – especially trauma and mental pain – are overlooked and not addressed… “We’re not built for this kind of cluster of difficulties. Art therapy will not directly change the life circumstances of any person, but it offers a number of techniques that can serve them. Mainly in the field of psychohygiene, relaxation, self-acceptance, awareness of harmful subconscious patterns of thinking and behavior. It also results in many other insights that can lead to a healthier lifestyle and inevitable changes,” concludes art therapist Sasha Točík Berkyová.
5 steps to reduce stress you can take today and you may never know tetany:
- Try to go to bed earlier and give yourself an ideal eight hours of rest. Don’t take your cell phone with open social networks to bed, just a book. Or play pleasant music to fall asleep.
- Try to drink the recommended two liters of fluids a day; clean water is best.
- Place a pitcher full of water on your desk and pour from it throughout the day. If you still forget to drink, download a mobile application in which you can monitor your drinking regime.
- Include movement in your day. It can be a short walk, yoga, boxing, spinning, group exercise, running – whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you haven’t exercised in years, start slowly.
Download an app for meditation or breathing exercises on your phone. You will definitely find five or ten minutes for them throughout the day. - Plan a vacation, even if it’s just a long weekend. A stay in nature, but also a good massage in a spa hotel or admiring art in a gallery can reduce stress levels. You deserve to switch off for a few days, ideally without social networks and messages.
Our tip:
You can go to psychotherapy before stress begins to affect your health. Each of us carries with us many themes that subconsciously influence us during our everyday life. A therapist can help identify and address them.