The toxin acts after incubation period (3-14) days) at several sites within central nervous system, including peripheral motor end plates, spinal cord, brain and sympathetic nervous system. The typical clinical manifestations of tetanus are caused when tetanus toxin interferes with release of neurotrasmitters, blocking inhibitor impulses.

Blockade of spinal inhibition is produced when toxin acts at synapse of interneurons of inhibitory pathways and motor neurons. General muscle rigidity arises from uninhibited afferent stimuli entering central nervous system from periphery. The effect of toxin on brain is controversial; direct inoculation can cause seizures.

One of many complications from tetanus is respiratory failure secondary to spasms, obstruction by secretions, exhaustion and pulmonary aspiration. Cardiovascular complications thought to be due to hyperactivity of sympathetic nervous system include tachycardia, with heart rates over 180 beats per minute, severe vasoconstriction and hypertension. Autonomic dysfunction is seen as increased basal sympathetic activity and episodes of sympathetic over activity. (SOA).

One word of warning though - excessive use of Rosemary taken internally can cause fatal poisoning, but that is no reason not sample delicious and invigorating herbal tea or eat a few of flowers. Like raw flowers, Rosemary sugar candies are a tiny taste explosion and quite delicious. Preserving them in sugar helps to extend amount of time you can experience this uplifting Epicurean event. First of all find a plant with flowers. It often flowers twice a year so this should not be too difficult. You can either pick whole flower from plant, or set up some arrangement that catches them as they fall naturally. In a warm place, such as a sunlit windowsill above a radiator, drop flowers onto dried (even warmed) white sugar. Make sure receptacle is open enough that moisture can evaporate from flowers into sugar and then into atmosphere. Also make sure that no moisture gets to this mixture at any point as sugar will 'clump' and flowers will start to rot, spoiling taste. Shake mixture now and then to aid process. When thoroughly dry, seal sugar/flower mixture into a moisture-proof receptacle and every now and then - treat yourself !