Opisthotonus[edit | edit source]

Opisthotonus in a patient with meningitis.

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

Diagnosis of opisthotonus involves:

Neurological examination
Medical history review
Diagnostic imaging like MRI or CT scans
Lumbar puncture, if meningitis is suspected

Treatment[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

Opisthotonus Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.