All of the following are the common manifestations of neonatal tetanus, EXCEPT:

Correct option is C

Neonatal tetanus is caused by the neurotoxin tetanospasmin from Clostridium tetani, leading to hypertonia, muscle spasms, and rigidity. Classic symptoms include trismus (lockjaw), dysphagia, and opisthotonus (severe hyperextension). Hypotonia is not a feature—it would suggest flaccid paralysis, which is not seen in tetanus.
Explanation of options: (a) ✔ Trismus – Common early sign due to masseter muscle spasm. (b) ✔ Dysphagia – Difficulty in swallowing due to generalized muscle rigidity. (c) ✘ Hypotonia – Not characteristic; tetanus causes increased muscle tone. (d) ✔ Opisthotonus – Severe arching of the back seen in advanced tetanus cases.