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Tetanus

The Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment | Prevention

What Are the Symptoms?

You should suspect tetanus if a cut or wound is followed by one or more of these symptoms:

  • Stiffness of the neck, jaw, and other muscles, often accompanied by a grotesque, grinning expression.
  • Irritability.
  • Uncontrollable spasms of the jaw and neck muscles.
  • Painful, involuntary contraction of other muscles.
  • In some cases, symptoms will develop in the absence of any cut or wound that you can recall. In addition, you may notice restlessness, lack of appetite, and drooling.

Call Your Doctor If:

You are bitten by an animal or wounded by an object that might be contaminated with dirt, feces, or dust, and you have not been immunized against tetanus or received a booster within the last 10 years. Tetanus infection can be fatal and should be treated as soon as possible.

 

Medically reviewed by Tracy Shuman, MD, July 2005.

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Network For Immunization Information.

The Basics | Symptoms | Detection & Treatment | Prevention

© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

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