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Risus sardonicus

Sustained spasm of the facial muscles

Risus sardonicus

Sustained spasm of the facial muscles

A classical sign of tetanus, risus sardonicus is a form of facial dystonia producing a fixed smiling or grinning expression.

Risus sardonicus or rictus grin is a highly characteristic, abnormal, sustained spasm of the facial muscles that appears to produce grinning. It may be caused by tetanus, strychnine poisoning, or Wilson's disease, and has been reported after execution by hanging.

The condition's name 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. It can also be caused by poisoning with strychnine or Wilson's disease.

In 2009, scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont wrote that they had identified hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) as the plant historically responsible for producing the sardonic grin. This plant is the most likely candidate for the "sardonic herb", which was a neurotoxic plant used perhaps for the ritual killing of elderly people in pre-Roman Nuragic Sardinia.

References

References

  1. "Tetanus: Clinical Presentation".
  2. (2017). "Tetanus attacks an old person with inadequate vaccination showing 'Risus Sardonicus' face". IDCases.
  3. "Tetanus". [[World Health Organization]].
  4. (1996). "Comprehensive Reviews in Toxicology: For Emergency Clinicians". [[CRC Press]].
  5. [http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=in-brief-aug-09 News Scan Briefs: Killer Smile], ''Scientific American'', August 2009
  6. (2009). "Polyacetylenes from Sardinian ''Oenanthe fistulosa'': A Molecular Clue to ''risus sardonicus''". Journal of Natural Products.
  7. Redazione. (2023-01-23). "Il sacrificio degli anziani nella Sardegna antica, tra mito e tracce storiche".
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