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FAQ

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Page last updated 07 April 2022

Early signs of tetanus include: 

  • Muscle spasms or tightness that begin in the jaw and neck 
  • Inability to open the mouth (lockjaw) swallowing problems
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Painful convulsions (fits)
  • Abnormal heart rhythms.

Occasionally a person may present with a fever and sometimes develop abnormal heart rhythms. Further complications include:

  • Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
  • Broken bones from the muscle spasms
  • Respiratory failure
  • Cardiac arrest.
     

Sources & Citations

3. Victoria State Government – Better Health Channel. Tetanus. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/tetanus (accessed 08 March 2022).

MAT-AU-2200366  Date of preparation March 2022

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