Risus sardonicus
Risus sardonicus
Risus sardonicus (pronunciation: /ˈriːsʊs sɑːrˈdoʊnɪkʊs/) is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained spasm of the facial muscles that appears to produce grinning.
Etymology
The term "risus sardonicus" is derived from the Latin risus meaning "laughter", and sardonicus meaning "of Sardinia", a reference to the Sardinian plant Herba Sardonia, the ingestion of which was believed to cause facial convulsions resembling horrible laughter, often followed by death.
Definition
Risus sardonicus is a symptom of certain neurological or toxicological conditions, particularly Tetanus, where it is one of the main facial expressions due to the spasms of the facial muscles. It can also be a symptom of Wilson's disease, an inherited disorder that causes the body to retain excess copper.
Related Terms
- Tetanus: A serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death.
- Wilson's disease: A rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in your liver, brain and other vital organs.
- Sardonic: Characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering.
- Facial spasm: A condition that causes brief, involuntary twitching of the facial muscles.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Risus sardonicus
- Wikipedia's article - Risus sardonicus
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