A 39-year-old member asked:
What is the meaning of "clasp-knife spasticity"?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Felix Brizuelaanswered
Neurology 33 years experience
Involuntary tightness: This occurs with certain types of strokes, and with spinal cord injuries. Involuntary tightening of the flexor muscles, with intermittent gear as you try to passively straighten a muscle out or extended from the flex position.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. William Goldieanswered
Pediatric Neurology 49 years experience
Spastic tone: In patients with spasticity the arms and legs are stiff and move with difficulty. A very specific form of stiffness will cause a form of release during movement which is similar to the sudden release when a clasp knife releases. The tone can be very tight, then releases, then tightens again. This is the classic findings in spastic cerebral palsy.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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