Seizures occur tetanus always very painful, especially since they are unbearable, the patient remains accompanied by a rise in temperature. In cases of poor prognosis and death of the patient immediately before the temperature rises sharply and may reach 42-43 . The severity and prognosis of the disease are caused by tetanus fast development of clinical symptoms. On this basis, distinguishes the following forms of the disease: 1) fulminant form is characterized by rapid development and severity of symptoms, results in death within 1-3 days, and 2) acute disease, in this form it is possible to recover, and 3) the acute form of tetanus is characterized by slow development of clinical symptoms (for 5-7 days). At the same rigidity of the muscles is less pronounced, seizures occur at fairly long intervals, and their attacks are short, such cases in a timely and proper treatment often result in recovery, and 4) the chronic form of tetanus tend to slow development of symptoms, which reached a maximum, gradually disappear. The disease may last several weeks or months and ends in recovery, 5) local tetanus characterized by the appearance of rigidity of individual muscle groups, which are near the site of tissue injury (atrium), then there is a pulling sensation, sometimes joined by muscle spasms. This form of tetanus occurs most favorably. Complications.
Fairly common complication of aggravating the disease is pneumonia. In the literature breaks recti by convulsions, fractures and dislocations. Diagnosis. Recognition is based on history (for injuries), as well as clinical disease. Differential diagnosis. Must distinguish tetanus from those diseases, which may lockjaw and muscle seizures. Strychnine poisoning may have clinical similarities with tetanus, strychnine poisoning, but there is dilation of pupils, whereas the normal width, they tetanus, convulsions seize mostly the arm muscles, and in the interictal period musculature is relaxed, whereas in tetanus muscles remain in a state of increased tone.