Opisthotonos

Lectures by Ibnlatef

1. 1


Opisthotonos





Definition:
 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.

Description:
 The muscle spasms will cause child’s back to be severely arched, and child’s heels and
head will be bent back to an extreme degree.
 And 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.

Causes:
 Meningitis.
 Arnold-Chiari syndrome.
 Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
 Tetanus.
 Adrenergic bronchodilator overdose.
Ibnlatef Notes Pediatrics

2. 2

Emergency signs and symptoms:
 High fever.
 Confusion.
 Persistent crying.
 Meningitis.
 Extreme sleepiness.
 Nausea.
 Trouble breathing.
 Convulsions.
 Blue lips and fingernails.
 Rapid breathing.

Treatment:
 The treatment will depend largely on the underlying cause of the condition.
 For opisthotonos triggered by brain disorders, prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers to
keep the swelling down.
 For opisthotonos triggered by Arnold-Chiari syndrome and hydrocephalus, corrective
surgery is required to ease severe muscle spasms.
 For those afflicted with brain hemorrhage, the blood will be drained to reduce the
pressure in the brain.
 As for those suffering from tetanus, there are medications that can relieve the
symptoms and prevent bacteria from spreading.
 Finally, for opisthotonos triggered by bronchodilator overdose, the patient will be
given lots of fluids to dull the medication and flush it from the system.






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