Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What's the difference between lockjaw and bell's palsy?
7 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
One is more serious: Classic lockjaw is caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria that causes muscles to go into uncontrollable, involuntary spasms including the jaw muscles. Your jaw can also lock due to a more benign condition, which is probably genetic called dystonia. Bells palsy is the opposite, it is due to paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation of the nerve.
Answered 3/13/2017
6.3k views
One is more serious: Classic lockjaw is caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria that causes muscles to go into uncontrollable, involuntary spasms including the jaw muscles. Your jaw can also lock due to a more benign condition, which is probably genetic called dystonia. Bells palsy is the opposite, it is due to paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation of the nerve.
Answered 3/10/2019
6.3k views
One is more serious: Classic lockjaw is caused by a toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria that causes muscles to go into uncontrollable, involuntary spasms including the jaw muscles. Your jaw can also lock due to a more benign condition, which is probably genetic called dystonia. Bells palsy is the opposite, it is due to paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face caused by inflammation of the nerve.
Answered 12/7/2014
6.3k views
Completely different: "lockjaw" refers to muscle paralysis caused by a tetanus infection and can affect any muscles. Bell's palsy refers only to weakness or paralysis of the muscles of facial expression- not the chewing muscles. Bell's palsy might be due to a virus but is not related to tetanus.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.8k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Can you tell me if i had lockjaw would i be able to open my mouth?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Does lockjaw freeze your mouth, so you can't talk?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I work with animals, am I more susceptible for lockjaw?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Can you tell me if i could get lockjaw please read thanks?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
How can you tell the difference between lockjaw and a jaw fracture?
Cuts are not deep, but because 2 bled, will i get tetanus or lockjaw?
Can you get lockjaw from being exposed to, or drinking sewage water?
Generally how long from first tightness to lockjaw or spasms with tetanus?
I cut my finger on a can lid, what are the signs of lockjaw and how long should I worry?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
