Page "Tetanus" Paragraph 8

This is the most common type of tetanus, representing about 80 % of cases.

The generalized form usually presents with a descending pattern.

The first sign is trismus, or lockjaw, and the facial spasms called risus sardonicus, followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, and rigidity of pectoral and calf muscles.

Other symptoms include elevated temperature, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and episodic rapid heart rate.

Spasms may occur frequently and last for several minutes with the body shaped into a characteristic form called opisthotonos.

Spasms continue for up to 4 weeks, and complete recovery may take months.