<neurology> A form of spasm in which the head and the heels are bent backward and the body bowed forward. ... Origin: Gr. Tonos = tension ... (18 Nov 1997) ... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
(o″pis-thot´ә-nәs) a form of spasm in which the head and heels are bent backward and the body bowed forward. adj., opisthoton´ic., adj. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21001
Op`is·thot'o·nos noun [ New Latin , from Greek ... backwards + ... a stretching.] (Medicine) A tetanic spasm in which the body is bent backwards and stiffened. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/O/25
Type: Term Pronunciation: ō′pis-thot′ō-nŭs Definitions: 1. A tetanic spasm in which the spine and extremities are bent with convexity forward, the body resting on the head and the heels. Found on http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=63040
Opisthotonos: A great rigid spasm of the body with the back fully arched and the heels and head bent back. Opisthotonos occurs in meningitis, especially in infants, due to irritation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It also occurs with depressed brain function and injury to the brain. Opisthotonos is an ominous neurologic sig... Found on http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21264