asterixis

Pronunciation: as′ter-ik′sis

Definition: Involuntary jerking movements, especially in the hands, best elicited by having the patient extend the upper limb, dorsiflex the wrists, and spread the fingers; results from lapses of sustained posture; seen primarily with various metabolic and toxic encephalopathies, especially hepatic encephalopathy.

Synonym(s): flapping tremor

[G. a- priv. + stērixis, fixed position]

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