Abdominal Rigidity General Signs and Symptoms

• Abdominal Rigidity [Abdominal Muscle Spasm, Involuntary Guarding]

Distinguishing voluntary from involuntary abdominal rigidity is a must for accurate assessment. Review this comparison so that you can quickly tell the two apart.

VOLUNTARY RIGIDITY

• Usually symmetrical
• More rigid on inspiration (expiration causes muscle relaxation)
• Eased by relaxation techniques, such as positioning the patient comfortably and talking to him in a calm, soothing manner
• Painless when the patient sits up using his abdominal muscles alone

INVOLUNTARY RIGIDITY

• • Usually asymmetrical
  • Equally rigid on inspiration and expiration
  • Unaffected by relaxation techniques
  • Painful when the patient sits up using his abdominal muscles alone
• Detected by palpation, abdominal rigidity refers to abnormal muscle tension or inflexibility of the abdomen. Rigidity may be voluntary or involuntary.
• Involuntary rigidity most commonly results from GI disorders,
• involuntary rigidity reflects potentially life-threatening peritoneal irritation or inflammation

Abdominal Rigidity History and Physical Examination

• Find out when the abdominal rigidity began. Is it associated with abdominal pain? If so, did the pain begin at the same time?
• Determine whether the abdominal rigidity is localized or generalized. Is it always present? Has its site changed or remained constant?
• any types of aggravating or alleviating factors, such as position changes, coughing, vomiting, elimination, and walking.
• Inspect the abdomen for peristaltic waves, which may be visible in very thin patients
• Finally, check for poor skin turgor and dry mucous membranes, which indicate dehydration.

Abdominal Rigidity Medical Cause(s)

•  Abdominal aortic aneurysm (dissecting). Mild to moderate abdominal rigidity occurs with abdominal aortic aneurysm, a life-threatening disorder
• Peritonitis. Depending on the cause of peritonitis, abdominal rigidity may be localized or generalized.
• Mesenteric artery ischemia. A life-threatening disorder, mesenteric artery ischemia is characterized by 2 to 3 days of persistent, low-grade abdominal pain and diarrhea leading to sudden, severe abdominal pain and rigidity
• Insect toxins. Insect stings and bites, especially black widow spider bites, release toxins that can produce generalized, cramping abdominal pain, usually accompanied by rigidity