What are the clinical signs and symptoms of tetanus that I should be aware of during assessment?

When assessing a patient for potential tetanus, you should be aware of the following clinical signs and symptoms:

• Generalized Tetanus (the most common presentation):
  • Trismus (lockjaw) ¹,²,³.
  • Tonic contractions and spasms, which can lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), opisthotonus (severe hyperextension and spasticity), and a rigid abdomen ¹,²,³.
  • In severe cases, these contractions and spasms may cause respiratory difficulties ¹,²,³.
  • Autonomic instability is typical ¹,²,³.
  • Consciousness is not affected ¹,²,³.
• Localized Tetanus:
  • Characterized by rigidity and spasms confined to the area around the site of the infection ¹,²,³.
  • This form may be more common in partially immunized individuals ¹,²,³.
  • Localized symptoms can persist for weeks or may progress to generalized tetanus ¹,²,³.
• Cephalic Tetanus:
  • This is a form of localized tetanus that occurs after a head or neck injury ¹,²,³.
  • It primarily involves the musculature supplied by the cranial nerves ¹,²,³.

The incubation period for tetanus is typically between 3 and 21 days, though it can range from one day to several months, depending on the wound's characteristics, extent, and location ¹,²,³. Tetanus is not spread from person to person ¹,²,³.