Waxy flexibility: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Flexibilitas_cerea_(cropped).JPG| | | name = Waxy flexibility | ||
| image = [[File:Flexibilitas_cerea_(cropped).JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = Demonstration of waxy flexibility in a patient | |||
| field = [[Psychiatry]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Catatonia]], [[rigidity]], [[posturing]] | |||
| complications = [[Immobility]], [[pressure sores]], [[muscle atrophy]] | |||
| onset = Can occur at any age | |||
| duration = Variable, depending on underlying condition | |||
| causes = Often associated with [[catatonic schizophrenia]], [[mood disorders]], [[neurological disorders]] | |||
| risks = [[Psychiatric disorders]], [[neurological conditions]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical observation, [[psychiatric evaluation]] | |||
| differential = [[Parkinson's disease]], [[stiff-person syndrome]], [[neuroleptic malignant syndrome]] | |||
| treatment = [[Benzodiazepines]], [[electroconvulsive therapy]], [[antipsychotics]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause and treatment response | |||
| frequency = Rare, more common in psychiatric settings | |||
}} | |||
'''Waxy flexibility''' is a symptom characterized by a decreased response to stimuli and a tendency to remain in an immobile posture. It is most commonly associated with [[catatonia]], a neuropsychiatric syndrome that can occur in the context of various psychiatric and medical conditions. | '''Waxy flexibility''' is a symptom characterized by a decreased response to stimuli and a tendency to remain in an immobile posture. It is most commonly associated with [[catatonia]], a neuropsychiatric syndrome that can occur in the context of various psychiatric and medical conditions. | ||
== Clinical Features == | == Clinical Features == | ||
Waxy flexibility is observed when a patient's limbs remain in a position after being moved by someone else. This phenomenon is akin to the flexibility of wax, where the limbs can be molded into different positions and will maintain those positions for extended periods. This symptom is often accompanied by other features of catatonia, such as [[mutism]], [[stupor]], and [[negativism]]. | Waxy flexibility is observed when a patient's limbs remain in a position after being moved by someone else. This phenomenon is akin to the flexibility of wax, where the limbs can be molded into different positions and will maintain those positions for extended periods. This symptom is often accompanied by other features of catatonia, such as [[mutism]], [[stupor]], and [[negativism]]. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The exact pathophysiology of waxy flexibility is not fully understood. It is believed to involve dysfunction in the [[dopaminergic]] and [[GABAergic]] systems of the brain, particularly affecting the [[basal ganglia]] and [[frontal lobe]] circuits. These areas are responsible for motor control and the regulation of voluntary movements. | The exact pathophysiology of waxy flexibility is not fully understood. It is believed to involve dysfunction in the [[dopaminergic]] and [[GABAergic]] systems of the brain, particularly affecting the [[basal ganglia]] and [[frontal lobe]] circuits. These areas are responsible for motor control and the regulation of voluntary movements. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of waxy flexibility is primarily clinical, based on the observation of the characteristic motor behavior. It is often assessed as part of a broader evaluation for catatonia, which may include the use of standardized rating scales such as the [[Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale]]. | The diagnosis of waxy flexibility is primarily clinical, based on the observation of the characteristic motor behavior. It is often assessed as part of a broader evaluation for catatonia, which may include the use of standardized rating scales such as the [[Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale]]. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of waxy flexibility involves addressing the underlying cause of catatonia. [[Benzodiazepines]], such as [[lorazepam]], are commonly used as first-line treatment. In cases where benzodiazepines are ineffective, [[electroconvulsive therapy]] (ECT) may be considered. It is crucial to identify and treat any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions contributing to the catatonic state. | Treatment of waxy flexibility involves addressing the underlying cause of catatonia. [[Benzodiazepines]], such as [[lorazepam]], are commonly used as first-line treatment. In cases where benzodiazepines are ineffective, [[electroconvulsive therapy]] (ECT) may be considered. It is crucial to identify and treat any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions contributing to the catatonic state. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Catatonia]] | * [[Catatonia]] | ||
* [[Mutism]] | * [[Mutism]] | ||
| Line 28: | Line 32: | ||
* [[Negativism]] | * [[Negativism]] | ||
* [[Electroconvulsive therapy]] | * [[Electroconvulsive therapy]] | ||
{{Psychiatry}} | {{Psychiatry}} | ||
[[Category:Psychiatric symptoms]] | [[Category:Psychiatric symptoms]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:21, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Waxy flexibility | |
|---|---|
.JPG)
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Catatonia, rigidity, posturing |
| Complications | Immobility, pressure sores, muscle atrophy |
| Onset | Can occur at any age |
| Duration | Variable, depending on underlying condition |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Often associated with catatonic schizophrenia, mood disorders, neurological disorders |
| Risks | Psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions |
| Diagnosis | Clinical observation, psychiatric evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | Parkinson's disease, stiff-person syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Benzodiazepines, electroconvulsive therapy, antipsychotics |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause and treatment response |
| Frequency | Rare, more common in psychiatric settings |
| Deaths | N/A |
Waxy flexibility is a symptom characterized by a decreased response to stimuli and a tendency to remain in an immobile posture. It is most commonly associated with catatonia, a neuropsychiatric syndrome that can occur in the context of various psychiatric and medical conditions.
Clinical Features[edit]
Waxy flexibility is observed when a patient's limbs remain in a position after being moved by someone else. This phenomenon is akin to the flexibility of wax, where the limbs can be molded into different positions and will maintain those positions for extended periods. This symptom is often accompanied by other features of catatonia, such as mutism, stupor, and negativism.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact pathophysiology of waxy flexibility is not fully understood. It is believed to involve dysfunction in the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems of the brain, particularly affecting the basal ganglia and frontal lobe circuits. These areas are responsible for motor control and the regulation of voluntary movements.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of waxy flexibility is primarily clinical, based on the observation of the characteristic motor behavior. It is often assessed as part of a broader evaluation for catatonia, which may include the use of standardized rating scales such as the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of waxy flexibility involves addressing the underlying cause of catatonia. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are commonly used as first-line treatment. In cases where benzodiazepines are ineffective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. It is crucial to identify and treat any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions contributing to the catatonic state.
