Spasticity

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 reflex is exaggerated.
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One type of increase in muscle tone at rest; characterized by increased resistance to passive stretch, velocity dependent and asymmetric about joints ( i.e., greater in the flexor muscles at the elbow and the extensor muscles at the knee). Exaggerated deep tendon reflexes and clonus are additional manifestations. SEE ALSO: clasp-knife s..
- clasp-knife s. initial increased resistance to stretch of the extensor muscles of a joint that give way rather suddenly allowing the joint then to be easily flexed; the rigidity is due to an exaggeration of the stretch reflex. SEE ALSO: lengthening reaction. SYN: clasp-knife effect, clasp-knife rigidity.

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spas·ti·ci·ty spa-'stis-ət-ē n, pl -ties a spastic state or condition esp muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes

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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. It is a symptom of damage to the pyramidal system in the brain or spinal cord. It is usually accompanied by weakness in the affected limb (see spastic paralysis). Compare rigidity.

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spas·tic·i·ty (spas-tisґĭ-te) the state of being spastic; see spastic (def. 2).

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Spasticity — Spas*tic i*ty, n. 1. A state of spasm. [1913 Webster] 2. The tendency to, or capability of suffering, spasm. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Spasticity — For the societal implications of the term when applied as a label for a particular person, see spastic. For the most common type of spasticity based neuromuscular disorder, see spastic diplegia. Spasticity Classification and external resources… …   Wikipedia

  • spasticity — spastic ► ADJECTIVE 1) relating to or affected by muscle spasm. 2) of or having a form of muscular weakness typical of cerebral palsy, involving reflex resistance to passive movement of the limbs and difficulty in initiating and controlling… …   English terms dictionary

  • spasticity — noun Date: circa 1827 a spastic state or condition; especially muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • spasticity — See spastically. * * * …   Universalium

  • spasticity — noun The state, quality or property of being spastic …   Wiktionary

  • spasticity — n. state of spasms or convulsions; tendency to spasm …   English contemporary dictionary

  • spasticity — spas·tic·i·ty …   English syllables

  • 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

  • spasticity — noun the quality of moving or acting in spasms • Derivationally related forms: ↑spastic • Hypernyms: ↑fitfulness, ↑jerkiness …   Useful english dictionary

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