What is the main symptom differentiating Strychnine toxicity from tetanus?

The primary symptom that differentiates Strychnine toxicity from tetanus is the characteristic "lockjaw," or trismus, associated with tetanus. In tetanus, caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, a prominent symptom is the severe spasm of the masseter muscles, which leads to the inability to open the mouth. This is due to the neurotoxic effect that causes sustained muscular contractions, particularly in the jaw and neck.

In contrast, Strychnine toxicity primarily presents with generalized muscular rigidity and spasms, but it does not specifically manifest as lockjaw. The rigidity seen in Strychnine poisoning tends to be more generalized throughout the body and not localized to the jaw alone. Therefore, the presence of lockjaw is a key distinguishing feature of tetanus that is not seen in Strychnine toxicity.

Other symptoms such as facial spasms may be present in both conditions, but lockjaw is uniquely associated with tetanus, making it the primary differentiating symptom. Fever is not a defining symptom of either condition in the early stages.