Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Opisthotonos
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
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 sign.