Symptoms of Tetanus
Tetanus can manifest as a systemic condition affecting all the muscles in the body, which is the most common presentation, or as a localized form that is restricted to a specific body area. In the systemic variety, one of the most significant symptoms, observed in more than half of the cases, is known as “trismus” or lockjaw.
The thoracic, cervical, dorsal, abdominal, gluteal, and other muscle groups may also be affected.
Initially, the patient may experience headaches accompanied by generalized body tremors and discomfort. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include difficulty in chewing and swallowing, generalized stiffness, and rigidity of the neck muscles.
One characteristic sign of tetanus is the involuntary “sardonic smile,” resulting from facial muscle contractions in affected individuals. Subsequently, these contractions can extend to the back, abdomen, pelvis, and thigh muscles.
Tetanus can also impact the larynx and respiratory system, which may lead to upper airway obstruction and increase the risk of chronic aspiration. This situation occurs when food or stomach secretions enter the respiratory tract, potentially causing respiratory infections.
Various stimuli can provoke these muscle spasms, including any form of disturbance, bright lights, loud noises, or physical contact. Spasms are typically most severe during the first week and stabilize in the second week, gradually decreasing over the following four weeks.
Importantly, tetanus does not affect the sensory system or brain function. Therefore, patients remain fully conscious while enduring severe pain, which can be compounded by subsequent muscle spasms.
These spasms are characterized by their sudden onset, affecting all muscles and varying in duration from a few seconds to several minutes. If left untreated, the frequency of the spasms can increase, depleting the patient’s energy and worsening their condition.
Other symptoms may include urinary retention, difficulty urinating, increased heart rate with palpitations, elevated body temperature, and excessive sweating.
The localized form of tetanus presents with spasms around the site of the wound and often precedes the more generalized form. This localized type may occur solely in the head region.
Incubation Period
The incubation period for tetanus can extend to several months but typically averages around eight days. The further the site of injury is from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period is likely to be. Shorter incubation periods often correlate with more severe symptoms. In the case of neonatal tetanus, symptoms generally appear 4 to 14 days after birth, with an average onset around 7 days based on clinical findings.
Additional Topics on Tetanus
Read about: Tetanus
Read about: Causes of Tetanus
Read about: Incubation Period of Tetanus
Read about: Complications of Tetanus
Read about: Diagnosis of Tetanus
Read about: Symptoms of Tetanus
Read about: Treatment of Tetanus
Read about: Tetanus Vaccine
Conclusion
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium tetani. When a patient sustains a wound, this bacterium can enter the injury site and subsequently enter the bloodstream. The hallmark symptoms of tetanus include a locking of the throat along with severe contractions throughout the body, characterized by neurological spasms while maintaining normal sensory function. Complications, especially affecting the respiratory system, can be fatal. Effective treatment includes administering muscle relaxants and providing respiratory support. Preventing tetanus relies on proper wound care and receiving the tetanus vaccine.