The poison that causes tetanus moves inward toward the spine at a rate of about 10 inches a day. After 7 to 21 days, it begins to block the relaxation of muscles. This results in sustained muscle contractions, notably the lockjaw for which tetanus is nicknamed.

Spasms of the jaw or facial muscles may follow, spreading to the hands, arms, legs, and back and blocking the ability to breathe. Spasms are often precipitated by noise or touch. Once tetanus has spread, the mortality rate is over 40 percent.

Symptoms:
You should suspect tetanus if a cut or wound is followed by one or more of these symptoms:
Stiffness of the neck, jaw and other muscles, often accompanied by a grotesque, grinning expression.
Irritability.
Uncontrollable spasms of the jaw and neck muscles.
Painful, involuntary contraction of other muscles.

In some cases, symptoms will develop in the absence of any cut or wound that you can recall. In addition, you may notice restlessness, lack of appetite and drooling.

The information in these pages is provided solely for role-play purposes and should not be relied on to treat a real life medical ailment. See a doctor!!!!!!

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