Tetanus - Topic Overview What are the symptoms? symptoms appear
slowly and get worse over time. The time it takes for symptoms
to appear after a cut or injury ranges from days to months. In
most cases, symptoms of tetanus appear within 14 days. Tetanus
symptoms often begin with a headache and trouble opening your
mouth (lockjaw). You also may have trouble swallowing and/or a
stiff neck, back, or shoulders. As the toxin spreads, it can be
deadly. It can cause problems with your blood pressure and heart
rate. It can cause severe and painful muscle spasms in your
neck, arms, legs, and belly. If spasms continue and get worse,
they can break bones, including the spine. How is tetanus
diagnosed? There is no lab test for tetanus. A doctor can
usually diagnose tetanus after asking questions about your
symptoms and past health and doing a physical exam. Because
other problems can cause muscle spasms like tetanus, your doctor
will do tests to make sure your symptoms are not caused by
something else. Your doctor will do