To diagnose if a patient has tetanus, a physical exam will be issued, a review of medical and vaccination health history will be taken as well as they will ask what signs and symptoms the patient may be dealing such as pain, muscle spasms, and muscle rigidity. If the doctor suspects another condition may be the cause of the patient’s signs and symptoms, laboratory tests may be issued. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tetanus. If you become infected with tetanus it will require emergency and long-term support care as the disease runs its course. Treatment for tetanus consists of medications to help ease any of the symptoms including pain, support care, and wound care all within the intensive care unit. The disease will progress for around two weeks, and recovery thereafter can last around a month.