| paradoxical triceps reflex | Flexion of the forearm caused by tapping the olecranon. Synonym: paradoxical triceps reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| reversed paradoxical pulse | A pulse in which the amplitude increases with inspiration and decreases with expiration, as observed in some cases of tricuspid insufficiency and during A-V dissociation with sinus arrhythmia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Hunt's paradoxical phenomenon | In dystonia musculorum deformans, if an attempt is made at plantar flexion of the foot when the foot is in dorsal spasm the only response is an increase of the extensor, or dorsal, spasm; if, however, the patient is told to extend the foot which is already in a state of strong dorsal flexion, there will be a sudden movement of plantar flexion; the same phenomenon, mutatis mutandis, is observed when there is a condition of strong plantar flexion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| embolism, paradoxical | Passage of a clot (thrombus) from a vein to an artery. When clots in veins break off (embolise) , they travel first to the right side of the heart and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots from entering the arterial circulation. However, when there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (an atrial septal defect), a clot can cross from the right to the left side of the heart, then pass into the arteries as a paradoxical embolism. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block a vessel there, and cause a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Because of the risk of stroke from paradoxical embolism, it is usually recommended that even small atrial septal defects be repaired. Also called crossed embolism. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Kussmaul's paradoxical pulse | An exaggeration of the normal variation in the pulse volume with respiration, becoming weaker with inspiration and stronger with expiration; characteristic of cardiac tamponade, rare in constrictive pericarditis; so called because these changes are independent of changes in the cardiac rate as measured directly or by electrocardiogram. Synonym: pulsus paradoxus, pulsus respiratione intermittens. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal closure contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the electrical circuit is established. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal opening contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the circuit is broken. (05 Mar 2000) |
| atrial premature contraction | <cardiology> An premature heartbeat of atrial origin. Generally nonserious and typically exacerbated by stimulant use (for example alcohol, decongestants, caffeine, nicotine). (27 Sep 1997) |
| automatic contraction | In contrast to forced beat, an ectopic beat that arises de novo and is not precipitated by the preceding beat; thus escaped and parasystolic beat's are automatic. Synonym: automatic contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| braxton hicks contraction | Rhythmic uterine muscle activity which occurs during the course of a pregnancy which causes no pain for the patient. (27 Sep 1997) |
| carpopedal contraction | <clinical sign> Spasms of the hands or feet that may be seen in association with hypocalcaemia or hyperventilation. (08 Jan 1998) |
| reflex detrusor contraction | Normal coordinated function of the bladder with sustained contractions of the bladder matched by simultaneous relaxation of the sphincteric outlet mechanisms to empty the bladder. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal closure contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when an electrical circuit is established. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal opening contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when the circuit is broken. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Gowers' contraction | Contraction of the calf muscles when the anterior surface of the leg is struck. Synonym: Gowers' contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |