The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw. Severe complications of tetanus can be life-threatening. There's no cure for tetanus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve. Because of the widespread use of vaccines, cases of tetanus are rare in the United States and other parts of the developed world.
The disease remains a threat to people who aren't up to date on their vaccinations. It's more common in developing countries. The average time from infection to appearance of signs and symptoms incubation period is 10 days.
The incubation period can range from 3 to 21 days. The most common type of tetanus is called generalized tetanus. Signs and symptoms begin gradually and then progressively worsen over two weeks. They usually start at the jaw and progress downward on the body. Progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes generalized spasms. Usually, the neck and back arch, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are clenched.
Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen may cause breathing difficulties. These severe spasms may be triggered by minor events that stimulate the senses — a loud sound, a physical touch, a draft or light.
This uncommon form of tetanus results in muscles spasms near the site of a wound. While it's usually a less severe form of disease, it can progress to generalized tetanus. This rare form of tetanus results from a head wound. It results in weakened muscles in the face and spasms of the jaw muscles. It also can progress to generalized tetanus.
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency care. The first 3 shots are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Between 15 and 18 months of age, the fourth shot is given, and a fifth is given when a child enters school at 4 to 6 years of age. At regular checkups for or year-olds, a preteen should get a dose of Tdap. The Tdap booster contains tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine. If an adult did not get a Tdap as a preteen or teen, he or she should get a dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster.
Adults should get a Td booster every 10 years, but it can be given before the year mark. Always see your healthcare provider for advice. If you have any of the symptoms listed in the symptoms section, seek medical care immediately, as tetanus requires urgent attention. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.
Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months. Tetanus is very uncommon in the U. What causes tetanus? What are the symptoms of tetanus? These are the most common symptoms of tetanus: Stiff jaw also called lockjaw Stiff abdominal and back muscles Contraction of the facial muscles Fast pulse Fever Sweating Painful muscle spasms, especially near the wound area if these affect the throat or chest wall, breathing may be stopped Trouble swallowing The symptoms of tetanus may look like other medical conditions.
How is tetanus diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on a complete history and physical exam. How is tetanus treated? Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. About Tetanus. Minus Related Pages. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.
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