clasp-knife rigidity

clasp-knife rigidity
an exaggerated stretch reflex of skeletal muscles seen in spasticity and decerebrate rigidity, resembling the opening of a penknife or clasp knife; there is increased resistance to the extensors (induced by passive flexion of a joint), which suddenly gives way on exertion of further pressure. Called also clasp-knife effect, phenomenon, reflex, or spasticity.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • clasp-knife rigidity — see spasticity …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Clasp-knife response — refers to a stretch reflex with a rapid decrease in resistance when attempting to flex a joint, usually during a neurological examination. It is one of the characteristic responses of a upper motor neuron lesion. It gets its name from the… …   Wikipedia

  • clasp-knife effect — see under rigidity …   Medical dictionary

  • clasp-knife phenomenon — see under rigidity …   Medical dictionary

  • clasp-knife reflex — see under rigidity …   Medical dictionary

  • clasp-knife spasticity — see under rigidity …   Medical dictionary

  • rigidity — 1. Stiffness or inflexibility. SYN: rigor (1). 2. In psychiatry and clinical psychology, an aspect of personality characterized by an individual s resistance to change. 3. In neurology, one type of increase in …   Medical dictionary

  • Spasticity — A state of increased tone of a muscle (and an increase in the deep tendon reflexes). For example, with spasticity of the legs (spastic paraplegia) there is an increase in tone of the leg muscles so they feel tight and rigid and the knee jerk… …   Medical dictionary

  • spasticity — n. resistance to the passive movement of a limb that is maximal at the beginning of the movement and gives way as more pressure is applied. Also known as clasp knife rigidity, it is a symptom of damage to the pyramidal system in the brain or… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Hypertonia — This article is about increased activity and resistance in muscles. For increased blood pressure, see Hypertension. Hypertonia Classification and external resources ICD 10 P94.1 ICD 9 …   Wikipedia

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