Stiff jaw

The time from injury to the appearance of the first symptom of tetanus, usually a stiff jaw. The incubation period can range from 2 days to 2 months, with most cases occurring within 8 days. The shorter the incubation period (< 7 days), the more severe the disease. From the moment of jaw stiffness to the first convulsion or the first laryngopharyngeal spasm, it is usually 1-7 days. The shorter the onset time (<48 hours), the more severe the disease. From the onset of the first generalized convulsion or pharynx/laryngospasm to the onset of remission, which usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks.

The first clinical symptom of the disease is usually a stiff jaw, difficulty opening the mouth without trauma, no swelling, redness, or high fever, but simply the patient feels difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or speaking. When the tongue is pressed down, the jaw is bitten harder (trismus sign). This sign was found in all patients. On examination, masticatory muscle tone is increased. In the early stages, the patient did not appear to have convulsions or increased muscle tone in the whole body, so the patient was easily confused with dental diseases with the diagnosis of arthritis, and dislocation,...