Tetanus symptoms and treatment

Tetanus develops when bacteria from the environment enter damaged skin and produce a toxin. The toxin interferes with nerve signals that control muscles. Early features can include jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth, trouble swallowing, neck stiffness, and tightening of the abdominal muscles. Spasms may spread and can be triggered by sound, touch, or light.

Tetanus is not spread from person to person. A wound may look minor, and the absence of a visible foreign object does not rule out risk. A clinician considers the wound, vaccination history, and symptoms together.

Clean a wound promptly with running water and remove visible dirt without forcing anything deeper into the skin. Arrange medical advice for a deep, puncture, crush, burn, or contaminated wound, especially if vaccination records are incomplete or uncertain. Treatment may include wound care, a tetanus vaccine, and an injection of protective antibodies when clinically indicated. Established tetanus requires hospital care, medicines to control spasms, support for breathing when needed, and treatment of the infection.

Seek emergency care immediately for jaw locking, repeated painful spasms, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty, severe neck or back stiffness, or rapidly worsening muscle tightness. Do not drive yourself if spasms or breathing symptoms are present. A recent wound with uncertain vaccination history also deserves prompt clinical assessment, even before symptoms begin.

Ask whether the wound needs professional cleaning, whether your vaccine history changes the recommended protection, and which symptoms should prompt emergency help. You can also ask how to find your vaccination record and when a booster may be due.