generalized tetanus

gen·er·al·ized tet·a·nus

the most common type of tetanus, often with trismus as its initial manifestation; the muscles of the head, neck, trunk, and limbs become persistently contracted, and then painful paroxysmal tonic contractions (tetanic seizures) are superimposed; the high mortality rate (50%) is due to asphyxia or cardiac failure.

gen·er·al·ized tet·a·nus

(jenĕr-ăl-īzd tetă-nŭs) Most common type of tetanus, often with trismus as its initial manifestation; muscles of head, neck, trunk, and limbs become persistently contracted.