What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tetanus?

Tetanus is a very serious disease for a person to get because it can be fatal. Tetanus is painful muscle contractions that are caused by bacteria. This bacterium is usually clostridium tetani. People can get it by simply stepping on an old rusty nail. The bacteria affect the nervous system which is why it is so dangerous. Make sure you get a Tetanus shot every 5 years from your doctor so that you are protected from getting it. Even if you suspect only a little bit that you may not be up to date on your vaccine for Tetanus, or that you actually may have Tetanus go to the hospital as soon as possible for life saving treatment. There are many signs and symptoms of Tetanus.

Lockjaw

The most common sign of having Tetanus is lockjaw. That is when your mouth's muscles spasm so bad that your mouth is almost frozen into place. The jaw is literally locked into one position. Some people who get Tetanus look like they have a very odd smile on their face. The jaw and neck can be very painful when you have Tetanus.

Pain

When you have Tetanus you will be in a lot of pain. There will usually be pain in the site of the original wound. For example, if you got Tetanus by stepping on a nail, the area where you stepped on the nail will feel very painful. You will also experience pain in other places in your body. Tetanus affects your whole nervous system.

Muscle Spasms

You will probably have muscle spasms. They will be very painful. Your body may arch into very awkward positions. Tetanus makes your whole body tense up. Depending on how severe your Tetanus may be will be how bad your muscle spasms are.

Headache

Another sign and symptom of Tetanus is that your head may hurt. You may get a headache. It could be very painful. It might hurt slightly. Your headache might also feel blinding.

Other

You may have great difficulty in swallowing when you have Tetanus. Having Tetanus might make you feel very irritable. You will feel that something is majorly wrong with your body. Signs and symptoms of Tetanus do not always come right away. It can take up to weeks for them to occur which can be dangerous because you might think you are okay, but you are actually not. That is why it is so important to get treatment right away if you suspect that may have Tetanus. You will need antibiotics, drainage of the wound site, sedation if you have muscle spasms, a (TIG) Tetanus Immunoglobulin shot, and other treatment to save your life if you have Tetanus.