• Spasms and tightening of the jaw muscle ("lockjaw")
• Stiffness and spasms of various muscle groups
  • Neck muscles
  • Chest muscles
  • Abdominal muscles
  • Back muscles, often causing arching (opisthotonos)
• Tetanic seizures (painful, powerful bursts of muscle contraction)
• Irritability
• Fever

• Excessive sweating
• Swallowing difficulty
• Hand or foot spasms
• Drooling
• Uncontrolled urination and/or defecation

Diagnosis of tetanus is based on the history and physical findings that are characteristic of the disease. Diagnostic studies generally are of little value, as cultures of the wound site are negative for C. tetani two-thirds of the time. When the culture is positive, it confirms the diagnosis of tetanus

Tests that may be performed include the following:

• Culture of the wound site (may be negative even if tetanus is present)
• Tetanus antibody test

Other tests may be used to rule out meningitis, rabies, strychnine poisoning, or other diseases with similar symptoms.