What Are The Symptoms Of Tetanus?

Posted on Thu, 21 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What are the symptons of lockjaw?

Answered by Dr. Deepak (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
Thank you for the query.

Tetanus , commonly called as "Lock jaw" is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium Tetani. Infection usually occurs by contaminated wound.
Usually patients presents with prodromal symptoms like Fever, malaise, weakness, tiredness.
Gradually patient presents with neck stiffness, sweating, painful muscle contraction, muscle around mouth get contracted and patient finds it very difficult to open mouth. It looks as if patient is widely smiling all the time with difficukty in opening mouth, which gives it the name "Lock jaw".
Tetanus is one of vaccine preventable diseases.

Hope I have explained it.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak