hypertonia
Definition
Noun (Medical/Physiological term): 1. Excessive muscle tone or tension: A condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the resting tension of muscle tissue. This results in stiffness, tightness, and a decreased ability of the muscle to stretch.
Usage
Hypertonia is used specifically in medical and physiological contexts to describe a pathological state of muscular rigidity. It is the opposite of hypotonia (low muscle tone).
Examples
- The neurologist diagnosed the infant with hypertonia after observing persistent stiffness in the limbs.
- Hypertonia is a common symptom in conditions such as cerebral palsy and stroke.
- Physical therapy can help manage the effects of hypertonia and improve range of motion.
Advanced Usage
- Spastic hypertonia: A specific type characterized by velocity-dependent increased muscle tone, often seen in upper motor neuron lesions.
- Rigidity (or non-spastic hypertonia): A constant resistance to passive movement that is independent of the speed of stretch, often associated with Parkinson's disease.
Variants and Related Words
- Hypertonic (adjective): Describing the state of having hypertonia or increased osmotic pressure.
- The patient exhibited hypertonic muscles.
- Hypertonicity (noun): A synonym for hypertonia, often used interchangeably.
Synonyms
- Muscle spasticity (in specific contexts)
- Muscular rigidity
- Increased muscle tone
Antonyms
- Hypotonia: Abnormally low muscle tone or tension.
- Atonia: Lack of normal muscle tone.
Noun
-
(of muscular tissue) the state of being hypertonic
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