Opisthotonos, from the involvement of the posterior divisions of the upper cervical nerves, sometimes of so excessive a nature that the body is bent backwards to such a degree that the head and heels are almost brought into contact. More rarely, pleurosthotonos or lateral flexion is observed.
Sensory and other phenomena.
Amongst such symptoms may be mentioned cutaneous hyperæsthesis, photophobia, and vaso-motor changes—the last-named evidenced by flushings, sweats, and tâche cérébrale.
Rapid emaciation, anorexia, and distaste for all nourishment are the rule, whilst retention of urine, albuminuria, and glycosuria have been observed.
The reflexes, both deep and superficial, are often increased. Kernig’s sign is generally present.
The period of depression.
The acute stage seldom persists more than two or three days, the period of excitation giving place to that of depression. The transition is usually of a rapid nature. The depression stage is dependent on exhaustion of the cortical and basal centres.
The temperature remains high, rising towards the evening and falling a degree or more in the early hours of the morn. Death usually takes place when the temperature is at its highest.
The pulse may become slower as the intracranial pressure increases, but, more commonly, as the result of toxic poisoning, the rate increases whilst the rhythm becomes irregular and the tension lowered.
Respiration may partake of the Cheyne-Stokes type, whilst the impaired æration of the blood and the weak action of the heart are evidenced by cyanosis of the face, œdema of the lower extremities, &c.