RESUMEN
A 22-year-old male presented with severe myalgias and backache of acute onset, as well as one episode of opisthotonus. On repeated questioning, he admitted to having consumed leaves of Strychnos nux-vomica with suicidal intent. He was treated conservatively with intravenous diazepam and analgesia and made a complete recovery. Strychnine poisoning is rarely encountered and poisoning by consumption of leaves is even rarer. This case demonstrates the potent toxicity of strychnine as well as the effectiveness of therapy when initiated early.
RESUMEN
Opisthotonus is known to occur in tetanus, rabies, cerebral malaria, neurosyphilis, acute cerebral injury and other medical conditions. Opisthotonus, so far, has not been reported in any major psychiatric disorder. Authors report a case of recurrent opisthotonus presenting concurrently with other catatonic signs which showed dramatic response to combination of lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Clinicians should consider the possibility of catatonia in the differential diagnosis of opisthotonus since catatonia can be treated easily with benzodiazepines and ECT.