What Is Tetanus?
7. How Is Tetanus Diagnosed?
Laboratory tests to assess for tetanus are of limited effectiveness. Imaging studies may be useful for identifying bone fractures due to muscle contractions but are otherwise not helpful. The doctor makes a diagnosis of tetanus based on immunization history and the signs and symptoms of pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms described by the patient and observed on physical examination.
Further complicating diagnosis is that there are different types of tetanus. The most common type, accounting for more than 80% of cases, is generalized tetanus, which affects the whole body. Cephalic tetanus is rare and primarily affects the cranial nerves. Localized tetanus causes spasm only in muscles in the immediate area of the injury. Either of these types can progress to generalized tetanus.
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