From the Guidelines
Tetanus symptoms typically appear 3 to 21 days after infection, with a median onset of 7 days, and can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. The symptoms of tetanus include lockjaw (trismus), painful spasming of the jaw muscles, neck stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and rigidity in abdominal and back muscles 1. As the disease advances, patients may experience severe, painful muscle spasms triggered by minor stimuli like sounds, light, or touch. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Sweating
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Breathing difficulties
- Fractures from intense muscle contractions
- Potentially fatal complications like respiratory failure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction
The incubation period from injury to symptom onset depends on the severity and site of the wound, with shorter incubation periods associated with more severe disease and a poorer prognosis 1. The case-fatality ratio for tetanus is highest in infants and the elderly, and can be as high as 100% without high-quality medical care, but is approximately 10%–20% even in modern health care facilities 1. Immediate medical attention is essential if tetanus is suspected, as treatment requires hospitalization, wound cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus immune globulin, and supportive care.
From the Research
Symptoms of Tetanus
- The symptoms of tetanus include muscle spasms, rigidity, and autonomic instability, which can lead to respiratory failure and death if left untreated 2.
- The severity of tetanus can be classified into different grades, with Grade I being the mildest and Grade IV being the most severe 3.
- The symptoms of tetanus can be controlled with medications such as magnesium sulphate and diazepam, which can help reduce muscle spasms and autonomic instability 3, 4.
Time to Onset
- The time to onset of tetanus symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's overall health 2.
- In general, the symptoms of tetanus can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks after the initial infection 2.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing the progression of tetanus and reducing the risk of complications and death 2.
Treatment Options
- Magnesium sulphate has been shown to be effective in reducing muscle spasms and autonomic instability in patients with tetanus, although it may not be sufficient for severe cases 3, 5, 6.
- Diazepam is another medication that can be used to control muscle spasms in tetanus patients, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and shortening hospital stay 4, 6.
- A combination of magnesium sulphate and diazepam may be more effective than either medication alone in controlling the symptoms of tetanus 6.