Tetanus symptoms typically appear within 7 to 10 days after the infection enters the body; however, this period can vary from person to person. The disease manifests with muscle spasms and stiffness, particularly beginning in the jaw muscles, known as trismus or "lockjaw." Difficulty swallowing, headache, abdominal muscle contractions, fever, sweating, and severe spasms and stiffness in the neck and back muscles are among the common symptoms. In some cases, the contractions can spread throughout the entire body, causing severe rigidity (opisthotonus). Patients may also exhibit extreme sensitivity to mild stimuli such as light, sound, or touch, which can trigger spasms. Autonomic system disorders, such as blood pressure changes and an increased heart rate, may also occur. For diagnosis, the patient's medical history and an evaluation of the symptoms are of great importance.