Opisthotonos: What you should know abnormal posturing caused by muscle spasms

What is opisthotonos?

Opisthotonos is a postural abnormality that results from excessive muscle spasms. It is commonly seen in infants and young children because their nervous system is not well developed. Sometimes, it may be linked to a serious underlying medical condition and so adequate intervention would be needed.

The muscle spasms typically cause arching of the back and backward bending of the hands and arm with associated stiffness.

It can also occur in adults. The spasms occur suddenly and repeatedly.

Causes of opisthotonos

Many conditions can cause opisthotonos. It can occur in Meningitis, Arnold-Chiari syndrome, Sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, Tetanus, and Adrenergic bronchodilator overdose.

Meningitis

This is an inflammation of the meninges (serve as the brain covering). It is a common cause of spasm. The inflammation occurs as a result of colonization of the brain covering by bacteria or viruses. These spasms occur because the body tries to overcome the pain caused by the irritation of the meninges. It helps to keep the spine in place.

Arnold-Chiari syndrome

This is a condition that occurs in children. It occurs when the brain protrudes through the bottom of the skull. It leads to excessive spasm in children who have hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by excessive fluid collection in the brain.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

This is bleeding that occurs in the area between the brain and the surrounding tissue. It can be caused by injuries such as the widening of the blood vessel (aneurysm).

Tetanus

This can be contracted by body contact with animal dropping which contains the bacterium, clostridium tetani. It can be treated but can also cause mortality in those who have not been vaccinated.

Adrenergic bronchodilator overdose

This results from inhaling too many drugs. It can result from improper use of a bronchodilator as in cases of asthma or chronic bronchitis.

Other conditions that can lead to this overdose include brain tumors, seizures, and head injuries. It can also be seen in babies whose mothers abused alcohol during pregnancy although it is very rare.

When should you see a doctor?

For bronchodilator overdose, if you suspect that your child may have overdosed or if your child has symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, fast breathing, blue lips and fingernails, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, racing heartbeat, and dilated pupils then see a doctor. You can also call National Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

For subarachnoid hemorrhage, the likely symptoms include light sensitivity, visual disturbances, neck stiffness, nausea, decreased alertness, muscle ache in the neck and shoulder. The headache experienced here is very severe and can be described as the “worst headache of one’s life”. See a doctor if you experience any of this.

In tetanus, the symptoms include locked jaw, neck stiffness, abdominal muscles, fever, swallowing difficulty, sweating, racing heart rate.

Treatment of opisthotonos

 Treatment of opisthotonos depends on the cause.

Bacterial meningitis

Antibiotics will be administered for cases of bacterial meningitis. The viral form is self-limiting and is treated using over-the-counter medications, fluid therapy, pain relievers and bed rest.

Arnold-Chiari syndrome

When symptomatic or advanced, surgery is the best treatment modality as treatment depends on the extent of the malformation.

If there is hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain), a shunt can be inserted to drain the fluid and also let out some pressure from the brain.

Bleeding in the brain

Surgery will be required for a brain bleed as it helps to relieve pressure and prevent further brain damage.

Tetanus

Tetanus is managed by relieving symptoms as it cannot be cured. The treatment entails the following:

• Wound care and hygiene to prevent the spread of infection
• Antibiotics to kill the bacteria
• Tetanus anti-toxin injection to reduce the presence of the toxins

Supportive care may be required especially if breathing is affected, in such cases a ventilator would be used to aid breathing.

Bronchodilator overdose

The overdose is usually countered by giving intravenous fluids.

Prevention of opisthotonos

The likelihood of developing opisthotonos can be reduced by taking adequate steps to prevent the possible causes.

Meningitis

It can be prevented by practicing good hand hygiene, staying far away from people that have the condition. Vaccines can also provide some sort of protection against meningitis.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Prompt treatment of aneurysms will reduce a child’s risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Tetanus

Tetanus vaccines will help to prevent tetanus. Ensure that your child is fully immunized according to the schedule.

Tonika Bruce

Tonika Bruce, also known as The Network Nurse, is a multi-talented individual with a career spanning over 20 years. She’s a Registered Nurse, speaker, author, and advocate for change, excelling in business building and team development. Tonika holds two Master’s degrees in Nursing and Business Administration, (MSN & MBA) and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership.

Her expertise extends to various fields such as nursing, entrepreneurship, business, basketball coaching, and executive leadership. She is a published author of “Relentless Pursuit: Proven Tips for Unlocking Your Potentials, Limitless Success and Post COVID Syndrome: A Guide to Repositioning the Nursing Profession for A Post COVID Era”. Currently, Tonika is working on Thrudemic, an anthology examining the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on medical professionals and patients.

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