What Causes Opisthotonus?

Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a episode called “opisthotonos” today in my doctors office. What condition could cause this and what treatment can help limit future episodes. They are increasing to 2 to 3 episodes of week and occur when I stand up from a sitting position or am walking a long distance. What doctor treats this. My doctor pretended it was nothing. I am very confused.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be drug related

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Opisthotonus is known to occur in tetanus, rabies, cerebral malaria, neurosyphilis, meningitis, encephalitis, seizures, strychnine poisoning and drugs.
Episodic opisthotonus is rare and may be found with psychiatric illness like catatonia or conversion reaction.
Other possibility may be muscle spasm of back.
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) may be having muscle spasm as side effect. You can change the drug with other migraine medications available.
You need to be examined and evaluated by a neurologist and psychiatrist.
The investigations or spine imaging may be required according to examination.
Diabetes and migraine is to be controlled adequately.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar