Rigidity
Rigidity
Rigidity (/rɪˈdʒɪdɪti/), also known as muscular rigidity or muscle stiffness, is a symptom of many neurological conditions, most notably Parkinson's disease. It is characterized by an increase in muscle tone leading to a resistance to passive movement throughout the range of motion.
Etymology
The term "rigidity" comes from the Latin word "rigidus", meaning "stiff" or "hard". It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the state of being inflexible or unyielding.
Types of Rigidity
There are two main types of rigidity: Lead pipe rigidity and Cogwheel rigidity.
- Lead pipe rigidity is a type of rigidity where there is uniform and constant resistance to range of motion, often associated with lesions of the basal ganglia.
- Cogwheel rigidity is a type of rigidity where there is a jerky resistance to passive movement as muscles tense and relax. It is often seen in Parkinson's disease.
Related Terms
- Muscle tone: The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles.
- Spasticity: A condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted.
- Hypertonia: Increased muscle tone.
- Hypotonia: Decreased muscle tone.
- Dystonia: A neurological movement disorder syndrome.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rigidity
- Wikipedia's article - Rigidity
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