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Hello,I am a previously healthy 44 yr old female that experienced facial trauma resulting in open nasal fracture approx. 7 months ago.At that time I received adult TD booster.A couple hours out I had a bumpy rash at injection site continuing to painful swelling of arm,going over the shoulder,symptoms peaking at 60 hrs out. At 3 1/2 days out I started experiencing bizarre neuro symptoms such as paresthesias,hyperestesias,chills,loss of pain, extreme weakness,plus multiple many other symptoms.I have a history of mild hay fever & mild allergy to horse sweat & dander. Since this experience,overall my allergies have become more severe,especially my allergy to horses. My physicians(D.O & Internist). are not concerned about possible tetanus vac reaction. Extensive bloodwork & CT scan were all normal(except sinus infection found on CT scan).I am still not normal,still experiencing low body temp(92-96 degree range). Do I need to be concerned about reactions to future tetanus vacs? Any ideas on what needs to be pursued concerning low body temp? I live in a rural area where access to specialists is very limited. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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The first step is to confirm your body temperature using a rectal or oral thermometer. If that is indeed what you are using (not those electonic tympanic ones), then low body temp can be indicative of thyroid or adrenal issues (low in both hormones). The stimulating hormones for both adrenal and thryoid glands are secreted from the pituatary, which is in the center of the brain. In theory, you could have damaged this in your trauma, and it would not necessarily show up on CT. Blood tests (a full thryoid profile and morning cortisol level) would be a good way to judge whether this is an issue of concern.
I don't think the that the tetanus reaction has an impact this far out, though I do think you did have a reaction to the injection, and would suggest not getting another. Confirmation can be done through an allergist, though in your setting this may be difficult.
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Hello, My low body temp is self confirmed by 4 different thermometers rectal & oral. I think my temps are finally starting to fluctuate more and faint ability to shiver sometimes happens now. I wasn't able to yawn,stretch for about a week after head trauma.My ability to sleep is greatly impaired but gradually improving.My theory is when I can shiver,my body temp will return to closer normality? Previous bloodwork did include (T4,TSH twice),autoimmune,diabetes,cholesterol,W Nile,Lyme,sed. rate,RA,plus others that I can't think of without looking up. My D.O. thinks neurotoxin as an additional factor. Possibly chronic lindane exposure (from livestock insecticide) and may have received skin,blood contact from open head trauma as metal panel that struck direct headon blow to my face was contaminated with anaerobic bacteria & lindane from recent tx of an animal in that area. Also I was knocked off my feet when struck on head,landing on spine. I took a fall similar to that landing recently and had an abbreviated version of some of the same symptoms such as foggy head,numbness,tinglng in extremities except with pain this time. My theory is most of my symptoms were trauma induced (head & spine) +/- reaction to TD Vac +/-neurotoxin. I had so many symptoms that I think I baffled the drs. They seemed to ignore the trauma issue as I had no pain.The D.O thinks I have been poisoned & the Internist seems to think I probably have MS. I have had gradual improvement overall,almost normal in regaining my strength,motor skills,endurance. Also my BP is back to normal.I had a period of time with elvation to 165/110(several episodes about the time of the head infection)Normally I am around 105/68. Do you think I would benefit by seeing a Neurologist this far out or should I just pursue the allergist? I have an appt with my internist this week . Thanks a bunch for your time as my medical resources are very limited in my location. I will have to travel several hundred miles to specialists. I thoroughly appreciate another educated opinion. Any other input on topics to pursue would be greatly appreciated.Thanks again for your time.
AnswerWow! Sounds like you are indeed lucky to be here at all. The possible diagnosis of MS is concerning, but MRI is a very sensitive technique to help confirm this. If negative, I would doubt MS and concentrate more on toxin and trauma.
The issue of chronic insecticide exposure plus trauma could indeed be an important set of circumstances to consider. I think a neurologist after the MRI would be the way I would go. I would not underestimate the head trauma in your symptoms. If severe (and recurrent), there can be persistent symptoms that are slow to clear. Pain would be initial, likely improve quickly. Neurologically, however, the head injury may take longer to get to a "normal" functional status. If toxins and trauma are the likely culprits, however, there isn't much to do except avoid further exposure and continue rehab.
Not much need for an allergist, as it seems the majority of your symptoms are likely not related to allergy.
Good Luck.
