rigidity

[rĭ-jid´ĭ-te]

inflexibility or stiffness.

clasp-knife rigidity increased tension in the extensor of a joint when it is passively flexed, giving way suddenly on exertion of further pressure; seen especially in upper motor neuron disease. Called also clasp-knife reflex.

cogwheel rigidity tension in a muscle that gives way in little jerks when the muscle is passively stretched; seen in parkinson's disease.

decerebrate rigidity see decerebrate rigidity.

decorticate rigidity see decorticate rigidity.

paratonic rigidity an intermittent abnormal increase in resistance to passive movement in a comatose patient.

cog·wheel ri·gid·i·ty

a type of rigidity seen in parkinsonism in which the muscles respond with cogwheellike jerks to the use of constant force in bending the limb.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

A circular jerking rigidity in flexion and extension in a background of tremor, which continues throughout an entire range of movement, a finding typical of parkinsonism; it may also be ‘smoothly’ rigid, in which case it is termed lead pipe rigidity

cog·wheel ri·gid·i·ty

(kog'wēl ri-jid'i-tē)

A type of rigidity seen in parkinsonism in which the muscles respond with cogwheellike jerks to the use of constant force in bending the limb.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

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References in periodicals archive

Meanwhile, the patient became free of the cogwheel rigidity and akinesia, while sensory vibration impairment became limited to the left lower limb.

Recovery from Cogwheel Rigidity and Akinesia and Improvement in Vibration Sense and Olfactory Perception following Removal of an Epoxy-Oleic Acid DNA Adduct

However, cogwheel rigidity remained minimally improved and respiration was irregular.

Nasogastric medication for perioperative Parkinson's rigidity during anaesthesia emergence

On admission, he was febrile, had altered mental status, osciliopsia, and cogwheel rigidity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was consistent with WNV encephalitis (4).

Transfusion-Associated Transmission of West Nile Virus--Arizona, 2004

Karen has seen several doctors, even a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, and after many tests, x-rays, MRI, etc., the best they could come up with was possible cogwheel rigidity for which they had no treatment or cure.

The basics on backs. (Letters)

On examination, patient was conscious, disturbed, afebrile, pulse rate-73, BP- 110/80, capillary blood glucose-80 mg/dL, SPO2- 97%, episcleritis seen, opsoclonus present, generalised lymphadenopathy (cervical/inguinal/axillary)-tender and matted, eschar in right inguinal region seen, central nervous system--emotional liability present, left upper motor neuron type of facial nerve palsy, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, exaggerated abdominal reflex, right plantar extensor, cogwheel rigidity and stance and gait ataxia were present.

A rare presentation of scrub typhus as ADEM