Tetano

Taking It on the Chin: A Case Study on the Nervous System by Stephanie DeMarco, Caitlyn Woods, and Phil Stephens Biology Department Villanova University

Part I—The Dentist
John Gower, a retired -year-old man, gets up early and goes directly to his dentist for a root canal. He doesn’t even notice the beautiful spring day with mild temperatures, a stiff warm breeze, or even the characteristic smell of newly laid mulch around the dentist’s office. Nancy Gower sits in the waiting room as her husband walks directly into the surgery. The nurse sets him up for the anesthetic, and he mentions that the room seems hot and stuffy. The nurse smiles and asks, “Would you like me to open the window? The landscaping crew is putting mulch on the gardens and the smell is very strong.” “That’s fine. I’d rather have the breeze.” The nurse pulls the window open and quickly closes it again because the wind blows the curtains and brings some mulch into the surgery. “Maybe I’ll just leave it cracked open,” she says. Mr. Gower nods and the nurse picks up pieces of mulch from the carpet and the chair before the dentist comes in. Dr. Pincher comes in to administer the Novocain and begins the procedure on Mr. Gower’s molar. A little while later the root canal is done. Dr. Pincher tells his patient that the procedure went well and that the anesthetic should wear off soon. He explains to the older couple that Mr. Gower’s mouth will feel tender and may be sensitive to hot and cold substances. He should take it easy for the next few days and take ibuprofen, as needed. The dentist assures them that Mr. Gower’s recovery should be fine, and that if he has any questions or suffers from any side effects, he should call the office. Mr. and Mrs. Gower leave and go straight home. Later that day and into the evening, Mr. Gower feels light headed, but thinks that it might be the last traces of the Novocain. He tells his wife that he will probably be fine in the morning.

Questions
. List the symptoms