Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs TetanusUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewTetanus is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that affects the nerves.SymptomsIt causes painful muscle contractions, particularly in the jaw and neck. It can interfere with the ability to breathe, eventually causing death.TreatmentsA vaccine can prevent the infection, which has no cure. Treatment focuses on managing complications. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use