What should you know about trismus tetanus?

Tetanus can cause muscles to tighten and spasm. Trismus may make opening the mouth, swallowing or speaking difficult. Stiffness can spread to the neck, back or abdomen, and spasms may be triggered by sound, touch or movement.

Tetanus bacteria can enter through a wound, including a puncture, burn or wound contaminated with soil. Symptoms may appear after an interval, so a wound that seemed minor does not exclude the illness. Tetanus does not spread from person to person.

Treat suspected tetanus as a medical emergency. Do not force the jaw open or put food, drink or objects in the mouth if swallowing is difficult. Tell clinicians about the wound, when it happened, your vaccination history and any previous booster doses.

Hospital treatment may include medicines that neutralise toxin, control spasms, treat infection and support breathing. Wound cleaning and vaccination may also be needed. A clinician decides which measures are appropriate.

Get emergency help for jaw stiffness after a wound, repeated muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, breathing difficulty, severe rigidity or confusion. Do not wait for symptoms to become widespread.

Ask whether your wound needs specialist cleaning, which tetanus protection is indicated, how vaccination records will be checked, and what symptoms require immediate reassessment.