Related Conditions and Symptoms

• Immunization

Tetanus Symptoms

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...

Tetanus Prevention

Prevention
... You can easily prevent tetanus simply by being immunized against the toxin. Almost all cases of tetanus occur in people who''ve never been immunized or who haven''t had a tetanus booster shot within t...

Tetanus Treatment

Treatment
... Treatment may include use of a tetanus antitoxin, such as tetanus immune globulin (TIG). However, the antitoxin can neutralize only toxin that hasn''t yet combined with nerve tissue. Your doctor may a...

Tetanus Other

Overview
... Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that leads to stiffness of your jaw muscles and other muscles. It can cause severe muscle spasms, make breathing difficult and, ultimately, threaten your life. A...