Q: What is Paratonia?

Answer: Paratonia, also known as gegenhalten is defined as increased resistance that becomes less prominent when the patient is distracted. 

Clinical significance: It may be a sign of dementia and co-relates with the degree of dementia.


Reference: 

1.  Hobbelen, JS; Koopmans, RT, Verhey, FR, Van Peppen, RP, de Bie, RA (2006). "Paratonia: a Delphi procedure for consensus definition.". Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001) 29 (2): 50–6