opisthotonus
Severe backward arching
Opisthotonus is a severe muscle spasm causing the body to arch backward, with the head and heels drawn toward each other while the torso bows forward.
It occurs in tetanus, meningitis, and certain poisonings.
The posture is dramatic and unmistakable—the patient may rest only on head and heels, the back forming a rigid arc.
Muscle-stiffening bacterial disease
- meningitisMembrane inflammation around brain
- cerebral palsyNeurological disorder impairing motor function
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
- rabiesFatal bite-transmitted encephalitis
Involuntary muscular contractions
Spine bent upward
- hyperextensionJoint bent past normal
- spinal curvatureAbnormal bend in backbone
- dorsiflexionUpward ankle bend
Of earliest infancy
- pediatricRelating to child medicine
- comaUnwakeable unconsciousness
- photophobiaAbnormal aversion to brightness
- altered consciousnessModified mental state
lumbar puncture · muscle relaxants · benzodiazepines · intubation
tetanus
Muscle-stiffening bacterial disease
- meningitisMembrane inflammation around brain
- cerebral palsyNeurological disorder impairing motor function
- encephalitisInflammatory brain condition
convulsions
Involuntary muscular contractions
- paroxysmViolent sudden outburst
- seizuresInvoluntary convulsions or takings
- myoclonusSudden brief muscle jerks
rigidity · spasticity · dystonia · muscle stiffness · lockjaw
arched back
Spine bent upward
- hyperextensionJoint bent past normal
- spinal curvatureAbnormal bend in backbone
- dorsiflexionUpward ankle bend
neonatal
Of earliest infancy
- pediatricRelating to child medicine
- comaUnwakeable unconsciousness
- photophobiaAbnormal aversion to brightness
altered consciousness · lumbar puncture · muscle relaxants · benzodiazepines · intubation
- movement disorderstremor, dystonia, chorea, tremors, bradykinesia
- muscle disordersmuscular dystrophy, myopathy, myositis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting
opisthotonusflaccidity
Lack of firmness
hypotonia · atonia · muscle relaxation · flaccid paralysis · limpness