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An asterixis is an abnormal muscle tremor characterized by involuntary jerking of the hands.
What else can I help you with?
What is an asterixis?
An asterixis is an abnormal muscle tremor characterized by involuntary jerking of the hands.
What is the flapping tremors called in patient who has liver cirrhosis?
Asterixis
What diseases or conditions besides Wilson's disease cause asterixis?
Chronic kidney disease
What is hepatic coma?
coma that occurs with advanced hepatic insufficiency and portal-systemic shunts, caused by elevated blood ammonia levels; characteristic findings include asterixis in the precoma stage and paroxysms of bilaterally synchronous triphasic waves on EEG examination.
How does the body react to hepatic encephalopathy?
As the disease progresses, patients become confused, drowsy, and disoriented. The breath and urine acquires a sweet, musky odor. The hands shake, the outstretched arms flap (asterixis or "liver flap"), and the patient may lapse into unconsciousness.
Does alcohol cause hyperammonemia?
chronic alcoholism can result in a cirrhotic liver/failed liver. with this comes liver dysfxn, and the liver is not able to perform its usual fxn of converting ammonia to urea in the urea cycle as well => hyperammonemia. neural dysfxn is a consequence of this accumulation of ammonia, and the the cz of what is known as "asterixis" aka the "flapping tremor." - some UC med student, year 2
Movement - uncontrollable?
DefinitionUncontrollable movements are slow, twisting, continuous, and involuntary movements of the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the body.See also: Tardive dyskinesiaAlternative NamesUncontrolled movements; Involuntary body movements; Body movements - uncontrollable; Dyskinesia; AthetosisConsiderationsThis condition is usually a lifelong problem that begins during childhood and is characterized by involuntary neck, face, forearm, wrist, and hand movements. Facial grimaces along with tongue and jaw movements are often associated with involuntary neck movements.Stress and activity often aggravate this condition, and relaxation and sleep help relieve the problem.Common CausesIN CHILDRENHypoxia at birthGenetic disorderKernicterus(excessive bilirubin in the central nervous system)IN ADULTSDrug toxicityDegenerative diseaseGenetic disorderNeoplastic disease (tumors)Vascular (blood vessel) disease, usually strokeHome CareSwimming, stretching, walking, and balancing exercises can help coordination and slow down the deterioration process.Family support is important, and open discussion of feelings is recommended. Self-help groups are available in many communities, and physical therapy should be sought as necessary.Call your health care provider ifIf there are any persistent involuntary movements that are unexplained, you should call your health care provider.What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. The physical examination may include detailed examination of both the nervous and the muscular systems.Medical history questions may include:Does there seem to be prolonged muscle contractions causing the abnormal posture?Are the arms affected?Are the legs affected?When did this behavior begin?Did it occur suddenly?Has it been worsening gradually over months?Is it present continuously?At what age did this symptom begin?Is it worse after exercise?Is it worse when emotionally stressed?Is it better after sleep?What makes it better?What other symptoms are also present?Tests that may be done include:CT scan or MRI of the head or affected areaEEGLumbar punctureUrinalysisBlood studies (such as CBC or blood differential)Uncontrollable movements may be treated with various medications. Your health care provider will make recommendations based on your signs and symptoms.ReferencesFahn S. Hypokinesia and hyperkinesia. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 16.Lang A. Other movement disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 434.
