Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms of tetanus may include: Stiffness of your jaw, neck and other muscles Irritability Spasms of your jaw, neck and other muscles Fever As the toxin spreads to nerves supplying muscles,...

Causes
... The bacteria that cause tetanus, Clostridium tetani, are found in soil, dust and animal feces. When they enter a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria may produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, w...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor to obtain a tetanus booster shot if you have a deep or dirty wound and you haven''t had a booster shot within the past five years or aren''t sure of your vaccination status. Or see you...

Screening and diagnosis
... Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. Laboratory tests generally aren''t helpful for diagnosing tetanus.