10 Lockjaw Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #2: Lockjaw
One of the hallmark symptoms of tetanus is lockjaw, or trismus. It is characterized by difficulties opening the mouth, usually not more than 35 mm, caused by muscle spasms and stiffness of the head, neck, and throat area. Due to uncontrolled muscle spasms, the jaw may open and close without warning, or it may become stiff and numb.
After the chewing muscles are affected, usually the spasms and stiffness of the muscles spread to the nearby muscles of the neck and throat causing difficulties in opening the mouth, swallowing difficulties and speaking difficulties. The facial muscles are also commonly affected. If the chest muscles are affected then breathing difficulties will develop, often leading to death.
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