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A member asked:
Why is tetanus sometimes called lockjaw?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Jaw muscle spasms: The germ of tetnus produces a chemical toxin called tetanospasmin.Normal muscle action is maintained by a balance of chemicals that signal a contraction & release. This toxin takes over the message center, locking a muscle group in the contraction mode & preventing "relaxing" messages from getting thru. Occasionally localized, most often bodywide, it locks up the jaws like it does other muscles.
Answered 2/28/2018
6.3k views
Tetanus: Because it causes severe hyper activation of your masetter muscle and therefore can not open mouth.
Answered 1/13/2013
5.4k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Generally how long from first tightness to lockjaw or spasms with tetanus?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
If you have tetanus and a stomach sickness, what could happen if you threw up with lockjaw?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What defines the cramping/lockjaw sensation caused by tetanus? I have a jaw and neck ache, but no difficulty opening mouth. Last tetanus shot was 2001. Did some soil gardening 8 days ago but no cuts.
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Cut from can lid in trash bag this am. Called dr who said minor cut and no need for tetanus shot but can't recall booster last 10 yrs. Get one in am?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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