Hypertonia is a medical term that refers to an excessive muscle tension or stiffness in the body. The word is spelled as [hahy-per-toh-nee-uh], with stress on the second syllable. The "hypo" prefix means excessive or above normal, and "tonia" refers to muscle tension. The phonetic transcription highlights the pronunciation of every sound in the word- starting with a stressed 'a' vowel sound, followed by a soft 'p', then a short 'e' and a rolled 'r.' Lastly, the word closes with a 'nee-uh' sound.
Hypertonia is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by increased muscle tone or tension, resulting in stiffness and resistance to movement. It is often used to describe a state of excessive muscular contraction and tightness that can affect various parts of the body. Hypertonia can occur as a result of various factors, including neurological disorders, muscle damage, injury, or certain medications.
When hypertonia is present, the affected muscles may feel rigid and resistant to stretching or manipulation. This high level of muscle tone can cause difficulties in performing voluntary movements and can lead to decreased range of motion and impaired motor function. Depending on the severity and location of hypertonia, it may affect a person's ability to walk, maintain proper posture, or perform everyday tasks.
There are different types of hypertonia, including spasticity, which is characterized by increased muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes, and dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movements. Treatment options for hypertonia may include physical therapy to improve muscle flexibility and strength, as well as medications to relax the muscles and reduce spasms.
In conclusion, hypertonia is a term used to describe increased muscle tone that results in stiffness and resistance to movement. It can be caused by various factors and can impact a person's motor function and range of motion.
Extreme tension of the muscles or arteries.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word hypertonia has its origins in Greek. It is derived from two Greek roots: hyper meaning above or excess and tonos meaning tension or tone. When combined, these roots form hypertonia, which literally translates to excessive tension or increased muscle tone.