What does involuntary guarding mean in medical terms?
involuntary guarding is a muscle contraction that involves the “muscles around your eyes, jaw, chest, arms, legs, feet, or back.” It is involuntary, so you can’t control it, and it can be triggered by both emotional and physical situations. For example, if you see someone who reminds you of an abuser, you might experience a feeling of intense fear, anger, or helplessness, which might cause you to tense up and feel protective.
What does involuntary guarding mean in terms of injuries?
involuntary guarding is more likely to be present in patients who have a history of head trauma. It is also often related to disorders of consciousness, such as coma or vegetative state. Patients with these conditions can sometimes move their hands, arms, legs, or feet unintentionally, although they are unaware of doing so. Involuntary guarding is also a common sign of epilepsy, especially if the patient has experienced severe head trauma.
What does involuntary guarding mean in terms of injury severity?
No matter how serious an injury is, there is no need to be defensive about it. People who react with forced, anxious, or rigid body movements after sustaining a serious injury do not have the injury under control. They are using their defensive sensation as a coping mechanism to deal with their physical and psychological pain. This means that their reaction is more than just an automatic response. It is also a reaction that is caused by having a feeling of being in actual danger.
What does involuntary guarding mean in terms of fractures?
Any break, crack, or dislocation in the bone can cause involuntary guarding. In some cases, this reaction can be so strong that people will move their hands and arms without realizing it, which can cause further injury. As a result, doctors may order X-rays or MRI scans to make sure that there is no serious injury.
What does involuntary guarding mean in terms of concussion?
People who suffer from involuntary guarding are much more likely to experience post-concussion syndrome. This is a condition that can occur after sustaining a concussion, which affects brain function. Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome may include headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and mood swings. People who have had a lot of concussions tend to be more susceptible to it. Involuntary guarding can also indicate a brain injury or spinal damage, and may result in long-term problems.