Does your child's body bend backwards like a bow? Let's talk about this dangerous condition (Opisthotonos)

Imagine, someone you know, perhaps a family member, suddenly loses consciousness, and their body, especially their back and neck, arch back and forth like a bow. If you were lying on your back in bed, their back would arch up and form a bridge. Anyone who sees this would be very scared, wouldn't they? It's a really scary sight. In medicine, we call this 'opisthotonos'. This is not just a muscle twitch, but could be a sign of a much deeper and more serious health problem.

What exactly is 'Opisthotonos'?

Simply put, opisthotonos is an involuntary, very strong contraction of the muscles of the neck and back. This is not something the person can control . It is like a reflex action. At this point, the patient is usually unconscious or in a coma.

When the body bends backwards like this, it gives a great shock to those who see it.

• If you are lying on your back: Lift your chest and stomach up off the floor or bed.
• If you are lying on your side: Your body will bend into a crescent moon-like shape.

The important thing is, this is not normal. Opisthotonos is a strong sign that something very serious has happened to the brain or nervous system.

Why is this happening? What are the main reasons?

There is not one reason for this dangerous condition, but there can be many reasons. All of these reasons directly affect brain function. Let's see what the main categories of causes are.

What would you do if you saw this?

If you see someone with opisthotonos, it should be considered a medical emergency . Never attempt to treat the condition at home. The only thing to do is to get the patient to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible. Time is of the essence here.

What are the treatments for this?

It's important to understand this. Doctors don't treat the twisting of the body called opisthotonos. They treat the underlying cause of the condition.

For example, if the cause is tetanus, the treatment is for the tetanus. If the cause is a brain hemorrhage, the treatment is for that. Therefore, the treatment regimen can be completely different from patient to patient.

Since patients in this condition are usually unconscious, medical decisions are left to the family. In such a situation, only your doctor can best explain to you what treatment is best for your loved one. Ask him or her everything clearly.

What can we do to prevent this?

Many of the things that cause opisthotonos are unpredictable and beyond our control. However, there are some things we can try to prevent.

• Get vaccinated properly: Tetanus and RabiesThese are diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. If you are unsure about your vaccination details, especially if you have been bitten by an animal or have a deep wound, see a doctor immediately for advice.
• Protect your head: Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorbike. Wear a seat belt when riding in a car. These safety measures can help reduce head injuries and the resulting brain damage.
• Stay away from drugs: Do not use any medication or drug (especially PCP) without a doctor's prescription. If you experience any unusual muscle spasms while taking a medication prescribed by a doctor, inform your doctor immediately.
• Be careful of poisonous animals: Wear protective gear such as gloves when working in the garden, collecting firewood, or cleaning up areas where spiders and scorpions may be present. If you are bitten by a poisonous animal and develop unusual symptoms, go to a hospital immediately. If you suspect that you have ingested a poison, you can immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.