What Is Tetanus?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
4. What Are the Symptoms of Tetanus?
Recognizing tetanus infection early helps to improve the prognosis. The early symptoms of tetanus are similar to symptoms of other bacterial infections and include headache, fever, sore throat, and diarrhea. Other early symptoms of tetanus are rapid heartbeat, acute sensitivity to touch, and bloody stool.
Muscle stiffness and spasm are the symptoms most characteristic of tetanus. Usually, the muscles of the face and jaw are affected first, specifically the muscles involved in chewing. Then the spasms may spread to the muscles of the neck and throat, making it harder to swallow. The convulsive tension can affect the muscles of the chest and back, potentially causing respiratory difficulties.
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