| Aspect |
Local Tetanus |
Neonatal Tetanus |
Generalized Tetanus |
Cephalic Tetanus |
| Introduction |
Mild form of tetanus that is confined to muscles near the site of infection. |
This form of tetanus occurs in newborns due to unhygienic childbirth practices. |
It is a severe form of tetanus that affects the muscles throughout the body. |
It is rare form of tetanus, involving cranial nerves and head injuries. |
| Location |
Confined to the area around the wound or injury site. |
Generally involves the entire body due to generalized muscle stiffness. |
Affects various muscle groups throughout the body. |
Mainly affects head and facial muscles, often causing facial spasms. |
| Onset of the disease |
Symptoms confined near the site of infection and may develop within days of exposure. |
Symptoms developed in newborns shortly after their birth, usually within the first few days. |
Symptoms may develop within days to weeks after the exposure of tetanus-causing bacteria. |
Symptoms arise from head injuries or wounds and may manifest after the injury. |
| Muscle Involvement |
Affects muscles near the wound or injury site, causing localized stiffness. |
Generally affects muscles in the newborn’s body, leading to generalized stiffness. |
Affects muscles in the jaw, neck and throughout the body. |
Affects cranial nerves and facial muscles. It often causes facial spasms. |
| Lockjaw |
Lockjaw may be present due to localized muscle stiffness. |
May or may not include jaw stiffness (lockjaw) as a symptom. |
It is a common symptom, with jaw muscle stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth. |
In cephalic tetanus, lockjaw may or may not occur; facial muscle spasms are more characteristic. |
| Breathing Difficulties |
Breathing issues are usually not significant in local tetanus. |
Breathing difficulties can be severe in newborns due to generalized muscle stiffness. |
Muscle spasms can affect respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. |
Breathing problems are possible if cranial nerves responsible for breathing are affected. |
| Severity of the disease |
Mild form with limited muscle involvement, usually less severe. |
Can be life-threatening in newborns, requiring immediate medical intervention. |
Most severe and life-threatening form of tetanus. |
It can be serious if untreated, but prognosis is better compared to generalized tetanus. |
| Progression of symptoms |
May progress to generalized tetanus if untreated or if the infection spreads. |
Symptoms progress if not treated on time. It often leads to severe complications. |
Symptoms can worsen rapidly without proper treatment. |
Symptoms related to the injury or wound can progress over time. |
| Treatment |
May not always require extensive medical care but should be treated promptly. |
Immediate medical intervention is needed to manage symptoms, provide supportive care, and prevent complications. |
Requires intensive medical care and support to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and neutralize the toxin’s effects. |
Requires medical attention and wound care to prevent the progression of symptoms. |
