Signs and symptoms of generalized tetanus include

Localized tetanus

This uncommon form of tetanus results in muscles spasms near the site of a wound. While it's usually a less severe form of disease, it can progress to generalized tetanus.

Cephalic tetanus

This rare form of tetanus results from a head wound. It results in weakened muscles in the face and spasms of the jaw muscles. It also can progress to generalized tetanus.

When to see a doctor

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency care.
If you have a simple, clean wound — and you've had a tetanus shot within 10 years — you can care for your wound at home.
Seek medical care in the following cases:

• 
  You've not had a tetanus shot within 10 years.
  
• 
  You are unsure of when you last had a tetanus shot.
  
• 
  You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in your wound, an animal bite or a deep cut.
  
• 
  Your wound is contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, rust or saliva — or you have any doubt about whether you've cleaned a wound sufficiently after such exposure. Contaminated wounds require a vaccination booster if it's been five or more years since your last tetanus shot
  

Causes

The bacterium that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. The bacterium can survive in a dormant state in soil and animal feces. It's essentially shut down until it discovers a place to thrive.
When the dormant bacteria enter a wound — a condition good for growth — the cells are "awakened." As they are growing and dividing, they release a toxin called tetanospasmin. The toxin impairs the nerves in the body that control muscles.

Risk factors

The greatest risk factor for tetanus infection is not being vaccinated or not keeping up with the 10-year booster shots.
Other factors that increase the risk of tetanus infection are:

• 
  Cuts or wounds exposed to soil or manure
  
• 
  A foreign body in a wound, such as a nail or splinter
  
• 
  A history of immune-suppressing medical conditions
  
• 
  Infected skin lesions in people living with diabetes
  
• 
  An infected umbilical cord when a mother isn't fully vaccinated
  
• 
  Shared and unsanitary needles for illegal drug use