Asterixis is a tremor of the wrist that occurs when the wrist is extended (dorsiflexed).
It is also often referred to as a "flapping tremor" or "liver flap."
Asterixis results from arrhythmic, interrruptions of voluntary muscle contraction resulting in brief lapses in posture.
It is most often associated with hepatic encephalopathy that results from abnormal metabolism of ammonia to urea, causing brain cell damage. The subsequent elevated levels of ammonia are due to liver failure.
In addition to hepatic enephalopathy, asterixis can also be associated with the following conditions:
