What Is Opisthotonos?

Opisthotonos is an involuntary medical condition in which the head and the feet, or the entire body, are arched backwards to the point that sometimes only the head and heels touch the ground. It can be caused by multiple underlying conditions.

Causes

Opisthotonos can have several causes. Some common causes include:

- Tetanus

- Meningitis

- Encephalitis

- Strychnine poisoning

- Rabies

- Tetanus

- Severe hypoglycemia

- Neurosyphilis

- Phencyclidine ("PCP") or MDMA ("Ecstasy") drug abuse

- Antipsychotic drugs (rare)

- Certain genetic disorders (very rare)

A person experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately

Symptoms

In addition to the characteristic arching of the body, opisthotonos can cause other symptoms, such as:

- Muscle stiffness or rigidity

- Difficulty breathing or swallowing

- Pain

- Seizures

- Fever

- Headache

- Confusion

- Loss of consciousness

Treatment

The treatment of opisthotonos depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, treatment involves supportive care and measures to relieve the symptoms, such as:

- Providing oxygen and maintaining airway

- Administering medications (such as muscle relaxant) to reduce stiffness

- Addressing the underlying cause if known

- Supportive care

In some cases, hospitalization and intensive care may be necessary.