Brief Answer:
Tetanus infection would cause muscle spasms and not sensation changes- very likely anxiety is the cause of your symptoms, details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Tetanus infection generally causes neurological symptoms related to muscular spasms and not sensation (it affects the motor function and not the sensory function). So, if a patient is developing tetanus, it is very likely he would present with spasms of the jaw joint and may progress to the point that he may not be able to open the mouth. In your case, changes in the sensation on the cheeks is not the typical way the tetanus infection would present.

Also, it is very important for us to know if you have ever had a tetanus vaccine previously and the location of the scratch.
- If you have had at least 3 doses of tetanus vaccine in your life, you do not need to worry about tetanus infection from just a scratch.
If you have not had any tetanus vaccine or had less than 3 doses in total the risk is present.
- if the scratch was in the leg or hands it will take much longer than a few days for the tetanus symptoms to develop. Wounds in the face and head are the ones that may cause tetanus symptoms within a few days.

To conclude:
- it is muscular spasms that are expected in a patient with tetanus infection and not changes in sensation. Jaw spams are the first ones to appear but spasms in other muscles may happen as well.
- scratches on the head and face may cause symptoms early, if you had the scratch on your hand or legs, even if tetanus would develop, it would take at least a week for symptoms to appear
- if you had at least 3 tetanus vaccine doses in your life (including the childhood vaccinations) then you need not worry about contracting tetanus with minor scratches
- finally, it is very important that you discuss your concerns with your doctor and have a thorough visit. Your symptoms may be due to anxiety as anxiety may cause patients to have altered sensations. On the other hand, the doctor will be able in the visit to do a thorough neurological exam and make sure there are no spasms and the muscles are working well (especially at the jaw). So, a physical examination is necessary to rule out neurological conditions and confirm this is due to anxiety.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,

Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

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