flacciditás

Flaccidity, also known as floppiness or limpness, refers to a state of reduced muscle tone or rigidity. In a medical context, flaccid paralysis is a characteristic symptom of damage to the lower motor neurons, which are responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the spinal cord to muscles. Unlike spastic paralysis, where muscles are stiff and contracted, flaccid paralysis involves muscles that are weak and unable to move. This can affect a single limb or multiple parts of the body, depending on the extent of nerve damage.

Causes of flaccid paralysis are varied and can include conditions such as polio, Guillain-Barré syndrome, botulism, and certain spinal cord injuries. The onset can be rapid or gradual. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to assess muscle strength and reflexes, along with neurological tests and imaging studies to identify the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition, physical therapy to maintain muscle function and prevent contractures, and supportive care.

Beyond the medical realm, the term "flaccidity" can be used more generally to describe a lack of firmness or resilience in non-living objects, such as a limp flag or a deflated balloon. In this broader sense, it simply denotes a state of being soft, yielding, or lacking structural integrity.