Path. [mod.L., f. L. subsult-, subsilīre (see SUBSULT).] A convulsive or twitching movement. Often short for subsultus tendinum, a convulsive twitching of the muscles and tendons present in certain fevers.
1806. Abernethy, Surg. Obs., II. 7, note. The febrile actions are proportionately increased, attended by Subsultus of the Muscles and occasional convulsions.
1822–7. Good, Study Med. (1829), IV. 686. A sense of tingling produced in the paralytic part, accompanied with some degree of subsultus, or a twitching or convulsive motion.
1825. Waterton, Wand. S. Amer. (1879), III. 141. There was no subsultus tendinum, or any visible alteration in its breathing.
1876. Bartholow, Mat. Med. (1879), 311. Belladonna is indicated when there is much low, muttering delirium, subsultus, and stupor.
