Clinical Diagnosis · Nervous System · Medium
Spasticity
Meaning: Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to an upper motor neurone lesion.
In practice: Resistance gives way suddenly on fast passive stretch, the so-called clasp-knife phenomenon.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A gait in which steps become progressively shorter and faster as if chasing the centre of gravity.
Answer: Festination
Which word means: Slowness of initiating and executing movement.
Answer: Bradykinesia
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