Opisthotonos (Opisthotonos)

Opisthotonos is an involuntary position of the body in which the head, neck and spine are sharply extended. This condition can occur in humans as a result of various diseases such as tetanus and strychnine poisoning.

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium produces a toxin that attacks the nervous system and can cause seizures and opisthotonus. Symptoms of tetanus may appear several days after infection, and may include muscle pain, anxiety, sweating and shaking. If the disease is not treated, it can lead to death.

Strychnine poisoning is a rare but very dangerous disease caused by exposure to the toxic substance strychnine. It can cause spasms of the entire body, including opisthotonos. Symptoms of strychnine poisoning can appear within minutes of ingesting the poison and may include muscle cramps, severe pain, sweating, fever and breathing problems. If you do not seek medical help promptly, strychnine poisoning can lead to death.

Treatment of opisthotonus caused by tetanus or strychnine poisoning requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may include anticonvulsants, antitoxins, and other medications, as well as hospital care. It is also important to prevent tetanus infection through regular vaccination.

In conclusion, opisthotonus is a serious condition that can be caused by various diseases and poisonings. If you suspect that you or someone you love has signs of opisthotonos, seek medical help as soon as possible. Timely treatment can save lives and prevent possible complications.



Opisthotonus is a pathological condition that is characterized by a sharp, involuntary, sudden extension of the head, neck and spine. It can occur as a result of strychnine poisoning or tetanus. With opisthotonus, the muscles of the neck, back and abdomen are very tense, which leads to the fact that the body seems to be stretched into a string.

In case of strychnine poisoning, opisthotonus can occur due to the fact that strychnine causes convulsions and muscle spasms, which lead to a sharp contraction of the muscles of the neck, back, abdomen and other parts of the body. In tetanus, opisthotonus occurs due to the action of a toxin that is produced by tetanus bacteria and causes muscle contractions.

Opisthotonus is a dangerous condition as it can lead to injury and damage to muscles and joints. Therefore, if opisthotonus is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor.



Opisthotonic (opistho- + Greek tonos - tension) or forced, pathological stretching of the back muscles and flexors of the lower extremities. Before the advent of neurophysiology, this condition (late tonic reflex) was defined as “absence of the cross-step reflex” (si walkeris reflex) and “absence of the choreic response.” Then they began to distinguish “topiatonic opisthotonus”. Topiation (topic, lat.) – topical-spatial, denoting a centripetal movement with the goal of mastering the entire volume; the abbreviation of the term described always indicates the consequences of topiationis for the psyche. The reasons for this can be hemorrhages, concussions, tumors, stroke (along with the process of formation of calcifications in the subcortical structures). In this case, a violation of cortical innervation causes paralysis and paresis