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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.
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Notes
Pediatrics
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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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