Symptoms of tetanus infection

Tetanus toxin affects the nerves that control muscles. Tightness may begin around the jaw and then involve the neck, abdomen, back, or limbs. Spasms can be triggered by sound, touch, or movement. The skin wound that allowed bacteria to enter may have healed or may be easy to overlook.

Muscle cramps and jaw pain have many causes, so these symptoms do not prove tetanus. The combination of progressive stiffness or spasms with a recent wound or uncertain immunisation history needs urgent clinical assessment.

Seek medical advice promptly after a deep, dirty, puncture, bite, burn, or crushed wound, even before symptoms appear. Rinse the wound with clean running water, remove surface dirt, and cover it. Tell the clinician when the injury happened and when you last received a tetanus vaccine, if known.

Do not wait for the wound to become painful or infected. A clinician can decide whether you need wound treatment and preventive care, and can explain the role of tetanus vaccination.

Call emergency services for jaw locking, repeated spasms, difficulty swallowing, choking, breathing difficulty, severe stiffness, or sudden worsening. Keep the person safe from falls and avoid giving food or drink if swallowing is impaired. Hospital care may be needed to protect breathing and control spasms.

Ask whether your symptoms could be tetanus or another condition, whether your wound needs specialist care, and what vaccination or follow-up plan protects you in the future.