Opisthotonus
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| Opisthotonus | |
|---|---|
| File:Opisthotonus in a patient suffering from tetanus - Painting by Sir Charles Bell - 1809.jpg | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Severe muscle spasms, hyperextension of the back |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, aspiration pneumonia |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Tetanus, meningitis, severe head injury, cerebral palsy |
| Risks | Infection, trauma |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, neurological examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Seizure disorder, dystonia, decerebrate posture |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Muscle relaxants, sedation, antibiotics for infection |
| Medication | Diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Opisthotonus or opisthotonos (from Ancient Greek: ὄπισθεν opisthen, meaning 'behind', and τόνος tonos, meaning 'tension') is a neurological condition characterized by extreme hyperextension and spasticity. In this state, an individual's head, neck, and spinal column enter into a pronounced arching or bridging position.
Causes[edit]
Opisthotonus can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Meningitis
- Severe brain or spinal cord injuries
- Tetanus
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Certain metabolic disorders
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of opisthotonus is the extreme backward arching of the head, neck, and spine. Other symptoms may include:
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of opisthotonus involves:
- Neurological examination
- Medical history review
- Diagnostic imaging like MRI or CT scans
- Lumbar puncture, if meningitis is suspected
Treatment[edit]
Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and may include:
- Medications to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms
- Supportive care for breathing and feeding difficulties
- Physical therapy
External Links[edit]
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Opisthotonos
- NIH: Rare Diseases - Opisthotonos
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