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Hypertonia is a term sometimes used synonymously with spasticity and rigidity in the literature surrounding damage to the central nervous system, namely upper motor neuron lesions. [1] Impaired ability of damaged motor neurons to regulate descending pathways gives rise to disordered spinal reflexes , increased excitability of muscle spindles ...
altered muscle tone (hypotonia or hypertonia) – a decrease or increase in the baseline level of muscle activity; decreased endurance; exaggerated deep tendon reflexes including spasticity, and clonus (a series of involuntary rapid muscle contractions) Such signs are collectively termed the "upper motor neuron syndrome".
An upper motor neuron lesion (also known as pyramidal insufficiency) Is an injury or abnormality that occurs in the neural pathway above the anterior horn cell of the spinal cord or motor nuclei of the cranial nerves.
Some patients display axial hypotonia, peripheral hypertonia and normal tendon reflexes. Autistic-like behavior including poor eye contact, stereotypies, agitation, tantrums, and self injurious behavior may occur. [citation needed]
Commonly reported symptoms are initial truncal hypotonia, subsequent appendicular hypertonia, bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, generalized dystonia, and marked diurnal fluctuation. Other reported clinical features include difficulty in swallowing, oculogyric crises , somnolence , irritability , hyperthermia , and seizures .
Medications are used to reverse the symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects caused by antipsychotics or other drugs, by either directly or indirectly increasing dopaminergic neurotransmission. The treatment varies by the type of the EPS, but may involve anticholinergic agents such as procyclidine, benztropine, diphenhydramine, and trihexyphenidyl.
Treatment of secondary dystonia by administering levodopa in dopamine-responsive dystonia, copper chelation in Wilson's disease, or stopping the administration of drugs that may induce dystonia have been proven effective in a small number of cases. Physical therapy has been used to improve posture and prevent contractures via braces and casting ...
Hyperekplexia (/ ˌ h aɪ. p ər. ɛ k ˈ p l ɛ k. s i. ə /; "exaggerated surprise") is a neurological disorder characterized by a pronounced startle response to tactile or acoustic stimuli and an ensuing period of hypertonia. The hypertonia may be predominantly truncal, attenuated during sleep, or less prominent after one year of age.