Tetanus & Lockjaw Symptoms

The tetanus bacteria can be acquired from a puncture wound or cut. Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a very serious medical condition with a high mortality rate. Symptoms of tetanus require immediate medical attention and treatment.

Onset

• According to MayoClinic.com, once tetanus bacteria enter the body, symptoms appear anywhere from between three days to three weeks. Incubation occurs over an average of eight days.

Spasms

• Symptoms of tetanus start with powerful spasms of the jaw and facial muscles as the toxin seeps into nerve fibers. Muscle spasms can also be felt in the areas of the back, chest and abdomen.

Stiffness

• The symptom of jaw stiffness gives "lockjaw" its name. There's also neck stiffness, difficulty in swallowing, and rigid pectoral (chest) and calf muscles. Other symptoms are elevated temperature, sweating and elevated blood pressure.

Identification

• There are no blood tests that can detect tetanus. It is diagnosed by pressing on the back of the throat with a small medical spatula. An infected person responds by biting the spatula (a locking down of the jaws), whereas a healthy individual experiences the normal gag reflex.

Misconceptions and Prevention

• Tetanus has been associated with rust, but rust itself does not cause tetanus. The stepping on a rusty nail only provides the hole for tetanus to enter, and the nail may push the toxin in.

  The tetanus vaccine has proven effective. The best protection against tetanus is to receive regular inoculations, and to get a booster shot in the event of a deep cut or puncture wound.

Famous Ties

• John Thoreau, brother of Henry David Thoreau, contracted tetanus when he nicked himself while shaving. He died his brother's arms.