Clinical Diagnosis · Nervous System · Hard
Opisthotonus
Meaning: A severe spasm in which the head, neck and spine arch backwards, seen in tetanus and severe meningeal irritation.
In practice: The unvaccinated farmer presented with lockjaw and opisthotonus due to tetanus.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A false sensation that oneself or the surroundings are spinning.
Answer: Vertigo
Which word means: An abnormal sensitivity to or intolerance of ordinary sounds, common during migraine attacks.
Answer: Phonophobia
Words like opisthotonus come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.