Why Does Opisthotonos Occur?
Opisthotonos is a symptom of several different medical conditions, in which the body is seized in an unusual posture. It most often involves severe arching of the back and rigidity, with the patient’s head thrown backward. When a patient experiencing this abnormal posture lies on his or her back, only their heels and the back of their head will touch the supporting surface. Opisthotonos can affect both infants, children, and adults, but it far more common in infants and children. Part of the reason for it being more exaggerated in infants and children is due to their nervous systems being less mature. Causes of Abnormal Posture Infants with meningitis can experience opisthotonos. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is characterized by the meninges (protective membrane of the spinal cord and brain) being inflamed. Nervous system injury or depressed brain function can cause abnormal posture. Certain drugs, specifically antipsychotic medications (especially phenothiazines), can cause a
