Diagnosing tetanus is usually straightforward because the symptoms are easily recognised. Few other conditions cause painful muscle spasms like tetanus.
A confident diagnosis can usually be made if someone has recently had a wound or similar injury and has painful muscle spasms and muscle stiffness.
Spatula test
A spatula test can help confirm tetanus if there is any doubt about the diagnosis. It involves inserting a spatula into the back of your throat.
If you do not have the infection, the spatula will cause a gag reflex and you will try to push the spatula out of your mouth. However, if the tetanus infection is present, the spatula will cause your throat muscles to spasm and you will bite down onto the spatula.
