Tetanus is a life-threatening toxin-mediated neurological disease that usually begins 48 hours to 2 weeks after Clostridium tetani spores enter a wound. Classic symptoms progress in a descending pattern: Lockjaw (trismus)Stiffness and painful spasms of the jaw muscles make it hard to open the mouth, eat, or speak; this is often the first sign . Facial and neck rigidityFixed “sardonic” smile (risus sardonicus) and difficulty swallowing develop as facial and pharyngeal muscles are recruited . Generalized muscle spasmsParoxysmal, painful contractions spread to the trunk and limbs; minor stimuli such as noise, light, or touch can trigger spasms that last seconds... Learn more