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| ==Origin== | | ==Origin== |
− | [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''spasme'', from Anglo-French ''espasme'', from [[Latin]] ''spasmus'', from [[Greek]] ''spasmos'', from span to draw, pull | + | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''spasme'', from Anglo-French ''espasme'', from [[Latin]] ''spasmus'', from [[Greek]] ''spasmos'', from span to draw, pull |
− | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] |
| ==Definitions== | | ==Definitions== |
− | *1: an involuntary and abnormal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction muscular contraction] | + | *1: an involuntary and abnormal [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction muscular contraction] |
| *2: a sudden [[violent]] and temporary [[effort]], [[emotion]], or sensation <a spasm of [[creativity]]> <spasms of [[pain]]> | | *2: a sudden [[violent]] and temporary [[effort]], [[emotion]], or sensation <a spasm of [[creativity]]> <spasms of [[pain]]> |
| ==Description== | | ==Description== |
− | In [[medicine]], a '''spasm''' is a sudden, involuntary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction contraction of a muscle], a group of muscles, or a hollow organ such as a [[heart]], or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It most commonly refers to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_cramp muscle cramp] which is often accompanied by a sudden burst of [[pain]], but is usually harmless and ceases after a few minutes. There is a variety of other causes of involuntary muscle contractions, which may be more serious, depending on the cause. | + | In [[medicine]], a '''spasm''' is a sudden, involuntary [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction contraction of a muscle], a group of muscles, or a hollow organ such as a [[heart]], or a similarly sudden contraction of an orifice. It most commonly refers to a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_cramp muscle cramp] which is often accompanied by a sudden burst of [[pain]], but is usually harmless and ceases after a few minutes. There is a variety of other causes of involuntary muscle contractions, which may be more serious, depending on the cause. |
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| The word "spasm" may also refer to a temporary burst of [[energy]], [[activity]], [[emotion]], Eustress, stress, or [[anxiety]] unrelated to, or as a consequence of, involuntary muscle activity. | | The word "spasm" may also refer to a temporary burst of [[energy]], [[activity]], [[emotion]], Eustress, stress, or [[anxiety]] unrelated to, or as a consequence of, involuntary muscle activity. |
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| True hypertonic spasm is caused by malfunctioning [[feedback]] [[nerves]], is much more serious, and is permanent unless treated. In this case, the hypertonic muscle tone is excessive and the muscles are unable to [[relax]]. | | True hypertonic spasm is caused by malfunctioning [[feedback]] [[nerves]], is much more serious, and is permanent unless treated. In this case, the hypertonic muscle tone is excessive and the muscles are unable to [[relax]]. |
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− | A subtype of spasms is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colic colic]. This is an episodic [[pain]] due to spasms of smooth muscle in a particular organ (e.g. the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_duct bile duct]). A characteristic of colic is the sensation of having to move about, and the pain may induce nausea or vomiting if severe. | + | A subtype of spasms is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colic colic]. This is an episodic [[pain]] due to spasms of smooth muscle in a particular organ (e.g. the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile_duct bile duct]). A characteristic of colic is the sensation of having to move about, and the pain may induce nausea or vomiting if severe. |
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− | Among the causes of spasms are insufficient hydration, muscle overload, and absence of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolytes electrolytes]. Spasmodic muscle contraction may be due to a large number of medical conditions, including the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystonia dystonias]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertonia Hypertonic muscle spasms] is the state of chronic, excessive [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_tone muscle tone], or tension in a resting muscle – the amount of contraction that remains when a muscle is not actively working. | + | Among the causes of spasms are insufficient hydration, muscle overload, and absence of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolytes electrolytes]. Spasmodic muscle contraction may be due to a large number of medical conditions, including the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dystonia dystonias]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertonia Hypertonic muscle spasms] is the state of chronic, excessive [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_tone muscle tone], or tension in a resting muscle – the amount of contraction that remains when a muscle is not actively working. |
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| [[Category: Physiology]] | | [[Category: Physiology]] |