Tetanus Symptoms
Tetanus, a potentially deadly bacterial infection, is rare in the United States thanks to vaccination. But it can happen, so it's important to know tetanus disease symptoms so you can get treatment quickly.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is most often seen in people who haven't been vaccinated for it. It can also happen if your immune system isn't working well, which becomes more likely as you age. The disease starts after the bacteria Clostridium tetani (C. tetani) get into your body, often through an open wound. Since these can be minor wounds, it's not unusual to get tetanus without recalling the injury.
Most cases of tetanus are so-called generalized tetanus, which means that symptoms spread through the body. Less often tetanus is localized, meaning it causes symptoms only around the wounded area. Another rare type, called cephalic tetanus, causes facial symptoms after a head wound.
Early signs of tetanus
The first signs of generalized tetanus are often painful spasms -- movements you can't control -- in your jaw. Tetanus symptoms set in an average of 10 days after the bacteria get into your body. But they can start as soon as three days after infection or after three weeks or more.
Other early symptoms of tetanus include:
- Stiffness in your jaw
- Tense muscles around your lips, which might give you a rigid smile
- Painful spasms and stiff muscles in your neck
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful muscle spasms and stiffness in your stomach area
Other symptoms of tetanus
As the disease progresses, you may get painful spasms that look like seizures that effect much of your body. Your neck and back may arch as your legs stiffen and your arms curl toward your body. Stiff muscles in your neck and abdomen might make it hard for you to breathe. These spasms can be so severe that they tear muscles or break bones in your spine.
You may also get:
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Fever
- Extreme sweating
- Headache
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Uncontrolled peeing and pooping
.
What Conditions Have Similar Symptoms to Tetanus?
If you have signs of tetanus, your doctor may do some tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Those include:
- Rabies
- Strychnine poisoning
- Meningitis
Of the three, strychnine poisoning causes the most similar symptoms. Strychnine poisoning, which can happen after exposure to rat poison or other products containing strychnine, usually causes symptoms more quickly and for a shorter time than tetanus.
However, a longer list of conditions can cause a stiff jaw, often one of the first signs of tetanus. These include:
- Other infections
- Cancer
- Drug reactions
- Black widow spider poisoning
When to Call Your Doctor About Tetanus
If you have an open wound, even if you've stopped bleeding, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor if:
- You got hurt outdoors.
- Your wound touched soil or animal poop, where the tetanus bacteria can live.
- You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in your wound, an animal bite, or a deep cut.
- You haven't had a tetanus booster shot in at least 10 years.
- You aren't sure when you had your last tetanus shot.
If your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, you'll need a booster if you got dirt, animal poop, or saliva in your wound.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Tetanus Symptoms
If you have symptoms that could be tetanus, even if you don't remember getting injured, seek medical care right away.
In the United States, tetanus is fatal in about 1 out of 10 cases.
While there's no cure for tetanus, treatment can speed recovery and make the disease less severe. It can lower your risk of complications, like pneumonia, blood clots, and broken bones.
After a couple of weeks of treatment, which can include medications, wound care, breathing help, and bed rest, most symptoms go away. But full recovery can take months.
Takeaways
If you have symptoms of tetanus — like a stiff jaw or muscle spasms in your jaw or neck — don't ignore them, even if you can't remember getting a cut, scratch, or other wound. While tetanus is rare in the United States, it can happen, especially if you haven't kept up with your vaccinations. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away. If you have tetanus, quick treatment can make a big difference.
Tetanus Symptoms FAQs
What causes tetanus symptoms?
When spores from Clostridium tetani bacteria get in your body, they produce a toxin — a poison — that blocks nerve signals from your spinal cord to your muscles. That leads to muscle spasms, usually starting with the jaw.
How do I know if I need a tetanus shot?
The CDC says everyone should be vaccinated against tetanus and that adults need boosters every 10 years. You might need an extra dose if you're pregnant or you get the kind of deep, dirty wound that could cause a tetanus infection. If you aren't sure when your last shot was, see if your primary health care provider has the records. If you can't find records and don't remember your last shot, it's perfectly safe to get a booster.
How long do tetanus shot symptoms last?
Like all vaccines, tetanus shots can cause side effects. They are usually mild and go away within a few days. Tetanus shot side effects can include pain where you got the shot, plus symptoms like fevers, tiredness, and headache.
