Early signs of tetanus can be subtle and are often mistaken for other conditions. Key symptoms include jaw stiffness (lockjaw), difficulty swallowing, neck and abdominal muscle stiffness, and mild muscle spasms. Patients may also experience irritability, headache, and fever. Recognizing these early signs promptly is crucial, as timely medical intervention can prevent progression to severe muscle contractions, respiratory complications, and life-threatening outcomes.