Another name for lockjaw

Clinicians use tetanus as the diagnosis. The word lockjaw refers to the tightening of jaw muscles that can occur, but a stiff or difficult-to-open jaw by itself does not establish tetanus.

Tetanus develops when spores of certain bacteria enter damaged skin and release a toxin affecting the nerves. Puncture wounds, contaminated wounds, burns and wounds containing dead tissue may create an opportunity for infection. It does not pass directly from one person to another.

Tetanus can present with jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, rigid abdominal or back muscles and painful spasms. Jaw restriction can also result from dental infection, injury or a jaw-joint problem, so the context and accompanying signs matter.

Rinse a wound with clean running water, remove visible surface dirt if it comes away easily, and cover the area with a clean dressing. Contact a healthcare service promptly if the wound is deep, punctured, dirty, contains a foreign object, or has damaged tissue. Tell the clinician when the injury happened and when you last received a tetanus-containing vaccine.

Do not wait for jaw stiffness before seeking wound advice. The clinician will assess the wound and vaccination history to decide whether wound treatment and preventive medication are needed.

Seek emergency care for new jaw stiffness with muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, breathing difficulty, severe muscle rigidity or spasms triggered by sound or touch, especially after a wound. Tetanus requires hospital treatment; it is not suitable for home management.

Ask whether the wound needs further cleaning, whether your immunisation record is complete, what preventive treatment is appropriate, and which changes around the wound need review. If jaw movement is restricted without a recent injury, describe dental pain, swelling, fever, clicking or recent trauma.