Opisthotonus

Share on Pinterest A painting by Sir Charles Bell from 1809 of opisthotonos. Opisthotonos is a specific abnormal posture associated with conditions and injuries that impair brain and muscle function. The characteristic symptoms of opisthotonos are a severely arched or curved spine and head and heels that tilt backward. Though relatively rare, the condition is usually a symptom of severe neurological conditions that are life threatening and require medical care. Opisthotonos mostly impacts infants and young children, though it can occasionally affect adults. Opisthotonos causes the back to become extremely rigid and curved or arched. The heels and head usually bend or flex backward as far as possible in response. If someone is on their back, they will arch upwards, forming an n-shape. In this position, the back usually lifts the back off floor or mattress to some extent. The arms also bend towards the body. In some cases, the head and lower body may be the only part of the body to keep in contact with the ground. If someone is on lying on their stomach when opisthotonos occurs, they will bend inward creating a u-shape. The legs and arms usually reach backward and upward. If the condition occurs when someone is lying on their side, the arching will form a c-shape. The person’s knees bend, and their arms either bend in or extend straight out. In this position, the backward arching of the neck may be more noticeable or severe. Aside from these postural symptoms, the signs of o...

Medical condition Opisthotonus Opisthotonus in a patient suffering from Opisthotonus or opisthotonos (from ὄπισθεν, opisthen, τόνος, tonos, 'tension') is a state of severe This Causes [ ] Opisthotonus is a symptom of some cases of severe [ citation needed] Infants [ ] Opisthotonus is more pronounced in infants. Opisthotonus in the [ citation needed] Opisthotonus can be triggered by any attempt at movement, such as smiling, feeding, [ citation needed] Poisoning [ ] Opisthotonus can sometimes be seen in [ citation needed] Opisthotonus with the presence of the [ citation needed] Drowning and the "dinosaur death pose" [ ] Opisthotonus is seen with drowning victims – called the " opisthotonic Vivisection [ ] Opisthotonus can be produced experimentally in animals by transection of the [ citation needed] Severe "arching" (hyperextension) occurs due to stimulus by the anterior [ citation needed] Other causes [ ] Opisthotonus is also described as a potential CNS symptom of [ citation needed] Opisthotonus is a symptom of " Sir Rudolph Peters, in Oxford, introduced [ citation needed] References [ ]

What is opisthotonos? Opisthotonos is a type of abnormal posturing caused by strong muscle spasms. It mainly affects babies and young children because their nervous systems have not fully developed. Some of the conditions associated with it are serious, so prompt medical care is often needed. The muscle spasms will cause your child’s back to be severely arched, and your child’s heels and head will be bent back to an extreme degree. And your child’s hands and arms will move around in a stiff manner. The spasms can come on suddenly and occur repeatedly. They can also occur in adults, but this is much less common. The following underlying causes can lead to these spasms: Brain conditions Meningitis Meningitis is the most common reason for these spasms. It occurs when the meninges, or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, become inflamed due to viruses or bacteria. These spasms are the body’s way of trying to relieve the pain caused by irritation in the meninges. It helps by keeping your child’s spine still. Arnold-Chiari syndrome This is a structural defect that occurs when the back part of your child’s brain grows down through the bottom of the skull. It usually causes severe spasms in children who also have excess fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus). Subarachnoid hemorrhage Subarachnoid hemorrhage happens when your child has bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues around it. Injuries, a widening of the blood vessels called an aneurysm, or bleeding di...

Continuing Education Activity Opisthotonus is defined as a dramatic abnormal posture due to spastic contraction of the extensor muscles of the neck, trunk, and lower extremities that produces a severe backward arching from neck to heel. In most cases, the trunk is elevated off the ground by a few inches. It is usually sudden in onset and can be sustained or repetitive. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of opisthotonus and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in treating patients presenting this condition. Objectives: • Identify the etiology of opisthotonus and the medical conditions associated with it. • Outline the appropriate evaluation of patients presenting with opisthotonus. • Review the management options available for opisthotonus. • Describe interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication in patients with opisthotonus and improve outcomes. Introduction Opisthotonus is defined as a dramatic abnormal posture due to spastic contraction of the extensor muscles of the neck, trunk, and lower extremities that produces a severe backward arching from neck to heel. In most cases, the trunk is elevated off the ground by a few inches. It is usually sudden in onset and can be sustained or repetitive. It can be considered a variant of decerebrate posturing involving a hyperextension of the neck, back, and limbs. Sometimes it is referred to as arc de cercle. Etiology Several entities can lead to generalized stiffn...

The University of Florida Academic Health Center - the most comprehensive academic health center in the Southeast - is dedicated to high-quality programs of education, research, patient care and public service. The The Founded in 1956, the Established in 1923, the The The Co-located with the Shands Jacksonville Hospital, the Jacksonville Health Science Center excels in education, research and patient care that expresses our abiding values of compassion, excellence, professionalism and innovation. Our state-of-the-art medical center serves an urban population of 1 million from north Florida to south Georgia. The The UFHSC-J is a clinical teaching site for the Gainesville-based College of Nursing. Students rotate through the various clinical settings on the campus, and primary care centers and specialty care centers located throughout Jacksonville. The University of Florida Health knows how important ongoing medical learning is to health care providers and the community. That is why we provide online Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses for you to complete for CME credits. These courses share the latest in medical knowledge, teach new patient-relationship skills and help providers deal with relevant current issues. Definition Opisthotonos is a condition in which a person holds their body in an abnormal position. The person is usually rigid and arches their back, with their head thrown backward. If a person with opisthotonos lies on their back, only the back of their he...

Opisthotonos is the term that describes an abnormal posture that happens when the muscles in your neck, back, and legs spasm and contract. These contractions cause your body to bend backward into a rigid arch, with your head pointing toward your feet. Opisthotonos is not by itself a disease or disorder, but a symptom of many different serious health problems or conditions. Here is what you need to know about opisthotonos. What Are the Causes of Opisthotonos? Opisthotonos can be a symptom of several different health conditions, including: • Infections such as • Strychnine poisoning • An overdose of tranquilizing or anesthetic drugs like phencyclidine, lignocaine, methoxphenidine, and propofol • Genetic conditions such as • Diseases that damage the brain like • Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) or related brain damage (kernicterus) • Pressure on the brain from excess fluid ( • Lack of oxygen to the brain after What Are the Symptoms of Opisthotonos? The distinctly arched, abnormal posture is the key sign of opisthotonos. People with opisthotonic posture will form a stiff “C” shape with their bodies. Their necks and backs will be bent backward with their head pointing toward their feet. Since opisthotonos is a sign of other health issues, people with the condition can have a variety of other symptoms depending on the root cause. Some other reported symptoms that frequently appear alongside opisthotonos include: • • Intense muscle pain • Fatigue • Problems eating or drinking • Fast...