trismus /tris·mus/ (triz´mus) motor disturbance of the trigeminal nerve, especially spasm of the masticatory muscles, with difficulty in opening the mouth (lockjaw); a characteristic early symptom of tetanus.
trismus
trismus (triz´m
s),
tris·mus (tr z m s)n. A firm closing of the jaw due to tonic spasm of the muscles of mastication from disease of the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is usually associated with general tetanus. Also called lockjaw. |
trismus
[triz′məs]
Etymology: Gk, trismos, gnashing
trismus (triz´m
s),n spasms of the muscles of mastication resulting in the inability to open the oral cavity; often symptomatic of pericoronitis.
trismus
motor disturbance of the trigeminal nerve, especially spasm of the masticatory muscles, with difficulty in opening the mouth (lockjaw); a characteristic early sign of tetanus.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|