Hemihypertonia

/ˌhɛmiˌhaɪpərˈtoʊniə/ noun

Definition

Abnormally increased muscle tension or rigidity affecting only one half or one side of the body.

Etymology

From 'hemi-' (half) + 'hyper-' (excessive) + Greek 'tonos' (tension), a neurological term describing unilateral muscle stiffness or tone problems.

Kelly Says

Hemihypertonia often appears after a stroke, where one side of the body becomes stiff and resistant to movement because the brain damage has knocked out the muscles' ability to relax—it's like one side of your body got stuck in a tension knot.

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