Spasticity vs Rigidity
Spasticity:
? Seen in pyramidal tract lesions
? Classically termed ‘Clasp knife spasticity’ – more tone during the initial part of movement – as in opening a pocket knife
? It is velocity dependent – should be elicited by fast movement of the muscle groups involved ...
Rigidity:
? Seen in extrapyramidal lesions – like parkinsonism
? 2 subtypes ? Cog wheel rigidity – Tremor superimposed on hypertonia – resulting in intermittent increase in tone during the movement – felt as jerks Ucenter Dress casual and country style wears for a wedding
? Lead pipe rigidity – Uniform increase in tone
? Velocity independent – does not vary with speed of movement of muscle groups involved