Toxic Shock Syndrome & Seizures

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness caused by bacteria. Though it is rare, TSS can be fatal if not treated properly. There are usually only less than 10 deaths per year from TSS. The bacteria that cause TSS are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Most cases of TSS come from the use of tampons.

Causes

• The bacteria that causes TSS enter the body through cuts on the skin or tampons left in too long. According to the CDC, some high-absorbency tampons may increase risk of TSS, though no firm connection between tampons and TSS has been established. Though most people have the proper antibodies to fight off the toxins that bring on TSS, sometimes the bacteria is allowed to reproduce and the toxins they emit causes the illness.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of TSS rely on the type of bacteria that causes the infection Staphylococcus aureus usually causes high fever, exhaustion and skin rash. If left untreated, the illness will progress and produce coma and organ failure. Since Streptococcus pyogenes typically enters the body through the skin, the first symptom is intense pain on the skin where the bacteria achieved entry. Following this initial pain, the symptoms of Staph TSS follow quickly.

Seizures

• Another symptom of TSS is epileptic-type seizures. Since these seizures mimic those associated with epilepsy, it can be difficult to tell the difference at first. Usually, the person will go into convulsions where the muscles will stiffen abruptly. However, since fever and pain are not usually associated with epilepsy, these key factors can separate a seizure induced by TSS from those brought on from other conditions and factors.

Treatment

• Regardless of the severity, people suffering from TSS will need to be hospitalized. Usually people are put in intensive care and placed on therapies that will help revive failing organs. Doctors try to find the foundation of the infection and drain it. Women are urged to remove tampons immediately if TSS is suspected. The longer the infection stays in the body, the poorer the prognosis is for survival.

Effects

• People who survive TSS should expect some changes in their body following infection. Usually, the superficial layer of skin will peel off following the infection. Also, about half the people who suffered from TSS will lose some or all of their hair and nails. These will, however, grow back. About 50 percent of the people who have had TSS will also experience another episode about six months later. These second episodes are usually less severe, but if they do occur, it is important to seek medical care immediately.