Asterixis (AKA Flapping Tremor)

Couldn't visualize it by reading only. Thanks!

Asterixis or flapping tremor can also be seen in Co2 retention!

This isn't an ideal description/demonstration of asterixis, as it is a more subtle smoother motion in actuality compared to the clonus-like flapping here, there is no requirement to push on the patient's hands to trigger the flapping, nor does it have anything to do with clonus in the usual sense (although the presumed pathophysiology of asterixis is that it's a negative myoclonus effect related to cerebellar dysfunction). Textbooks and articles describing asterixis (ex. Bates guide to clinical examination, Harrison textbook of medicine, etc) state that the examiner may use their hands to position or reposition the patient's wrists into extension, but there's no mention about pushing the patient's hands backwards. The motion comes from an inability to maintain the fixed position of extension, which is why it's called asterixis (Greek: a- =no, -sterixis = fixed position). I recommend viewing other YouTube videos of actual patients with asterixis to gain a more realistic understanding of what this sign looks like.

Many thanks for this. I would add there are also drug causes of tremor which we always have to consider. For example, beta- 2 agonists, caffeine, theophylline, lithium and tricyclics can all cause tremor as their side effect, so if your patient is on these drugs, it may be the cause. And there are also drugs whose withdrawal causes tremor- the most famous is of course alcohol, but also benzos, opiates and barbiturates can cause tremor if someone is withdrawing from them.

Thanks so much for this video, very helpful!

thank you for show me what flapping tremor is!!

I really enjoyed watching the videos...plz continue teaching us

Thanks! had this on a question for hepatic encephalopathy.

I'm not med student, but great explanation. Thank you.

Thank you I wasn't sure what it is in my nursing med surge book and need visualize. Thank you for the video

BRILLIANT!!! Thank you so much for your help keep going 🌹🌹💓💓💓

Dr. Jason Ryan (Boards and Beyond) told me to look this up! HOLLA AT YA BOOOIIIIII!!!

This video is helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for uploading this video ..really helped to understand .

thank you that was great

Thanks! Just want to add that it may also occur in RENAL FAILURE, because of increase BUN.

Thanks! Had a question for Alcoholic Dependence Syndrome

Thanks!!! My father in law had that but it ended up way too late when he was admitted to the hospital but at that time we didn’t know why until the doctor told us he only had only couple of days due to cirrhosis!!!

Short & direct thank u 🙏

Nice job!