Risus sardonicus: Difference between revisions
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'''''Risus sardonicus''''' or '''rictus grin''' is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained [[spasm]] of the [[facial muscles]] that appears to produce grinning. Risus sardonicus may be caused by [[tetanus]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229594-clinical|title=Tetanus: Clinical Presentation|last=|first=|date=|website=Medscape|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Tetanus attacks an old person with inadequate vaccination showing 'Risus Sardonicus' face|pmc = 5577402|year = 2017|last1 = Kobayashi|first1 = A.|last2 = Iwasaki|first2 = H.|journal = |
'''''Risus sardonicus''''' or '''rictus grin''' is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained [[spasm]] of the [[facial muscles]] that appears to produce grinning. Risus sardonicus may be caused by [[tetanus]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229594-clinical|title=Tetanus: Clinical Presentation|last=|first=|date=|website=Medscape|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Tetanus attacks an old person with inadequate vaccination showing 'Risus Sardonicus' face|pmc = 5577402|year = 2017|last1 = Kobayashi|first1 = A.|last2 = Iwasaki|first2 = H.|journal = IDCases|volume = 10|pages = 38–39|pmid = 28875124|doi = 10.1016/j.idcr.2017.08.009}}</ref> [[strychnine poisoning]], or [[Wilson's disease]], and has been reported after judicial hanging.{{mcn|date=May 2019}} |
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The condition's name, associated with the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] island of [[Sardinia]], derives from the appearance of raised eyebrows and an open "grin" – which can appear [[sardonic]] or malevolent to the lay observer – displayed by those experiencing these muscle spasms. |
The condition's name, associated with the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] island of [[Sardinia]], derives from the appearance of raised eyebrows and an open "grin" – which can appear [[sardonic]] or malevolent to the lay observer – displayed by those experiencing these muscle spasms. |
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Revision as of 15:10, 10 July 2020
Risus sardonicus or rictus grin is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained spasm of the facial muscles that appears to produce grinning. Risus sardonicus may be caused by tetanus,[1][2] strychnine poisoning, or Wilson's disease, and has been reported after judicial hanging.
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2019) |
The condition's name, associated with the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, derives from the appearance of raised eyebrows and an open "grin" – which can appear sardonic or malevolent to the lay observer – displayed by those experiencing these muscle spasms.
Causes
It is most often observed as a sign of tetanus.[3] It can also be caused by poisoning with strychnine[4] or Wilson's disease.
In 2009, scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy wrote that they had identified hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) as the plant historically responsible for producing the sardonic grin.[5][6] This plant is the most likely candidate for the "sardonic herb", which was a neurotoxic plant used for the ritual killing of elderly people in pre-Roman, Nuragic Sardinia.
See also
- Sardonicism
- Trismus
- Mr. Sardonicus
- Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, a 1970 music album by Spirit
- Joker (character)
References
- ^ "Tetanus: Clinical Presentation". Medscape.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Kobayashi, A.; Iwasaki, H. (2017). "Tetanus attacks an old person with inadequate vaccination showing 'Risus Sardonicus' face". IDCases. 10: 38–39. doi:10.1016/j.idcr.2017.08.009. PMC 5577402. PMID 28875124.
- ^ "Tetanus". World Health Organization.
- ^ Bryson, Peter D. (1996). Comprehensive Reviews in Toxicology: For Emergency Clinicians. CRC Press. p. 791. ISBN 978-1560326120.
- ^ News Scan Briefs: Killer Smile, Scientific American, August 2009
- ^ G. Appendino; F. Pollastro; L. Verotta; M. Ballero; A. Romano; P. Wyrembek; K. Szczuraszek; J. W. Mozrzymas; O. Taglialatela-Scafati (2009). "Polyacetylenes from Sardinian Oenanthe fistulosa: A Molecular Clue to risus sardonicus". Journal of Natural Products. 72 (5): 962–965. doi:10.1021/np8007717. PMC 2685611. PMID 19245244.