Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone. Normally, even when relaxed, muscles have a very small amount of contraction that gives them a springy feel and provides some resistance to passive movement. It is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can co-exist. Muscle tone is regulated by signals that travel from the brain to the nerves and tell the muscles to contract. Hypotonia can happen from damage to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles. The damage can be the result of trauma, environmental factors, or genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders. For example, it can be seen in Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and Tay-Sachs disease. Sometimes it may not be possible to find what causes the hypotonia. Infants with hypotonia have a floppy quality or “rag doll” appearance because their arms and legs hang by their sides and they have little or no head control. Other symptoms of hypotonia include problems with mobility and posture, breathing and speech difficulties, ligament and joint laxity, and poor reflexes. Hypotonia does not affect intellect. The opposite of hypotonia is hypertonia.
The NINDS supports research on conditions that can result from neurological disorders, such as hypotonia. Much of this research is aimed at learning more about these conditions and finding ways to prevent and treat them.
Hypotonia treatment can help your child build stronger muscles and better coordination. You can also see ways to improve your child’s appearance.
Examples:
, which orders a second opinion from San Diego Children’s Hospital.
Can hypotonia be treated?
Hypotonia can be treated, but only if done appropriately and with care.
If done incorrectly, hypotonia can lead to serious conditions such as cerebral palsy and myotonic dystrophy.
Treatment programs to help increase muscle strength and efficiency in paralyzed limbs could be developed by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or the National Rehabilitation Center.
Hypotonia treatment could include physical therapy and speech/language therapy; disruption to the brain waves of sensory processing processing activities; and sensory integration and localization.
Treatment options for patients with hypotonia include physiotherapy, trauma management, physiotherapy resistance, sensory stimulation programs, oxygenation and speech treatment.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle strength.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone.
Hypotonia is a medical term used to describe decreased muscle tone. Normally, even when relaxed, muscles have a very small amount of contraction that gives them a springy feel and provides some resistance to passive movement. It is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can co-exist. Muscle tone is regulated by signals that travel from the brain to the nerves and tell the muscles to contract. Hypotonia can happen from damage to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles. The damage can be the result of trauma, environmental factors, or genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders. For example, it can be seen in Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and Tay-Sachs disease. Sometimes it may not be possible to find what causes the hypotonia. Infants with hypotonia have a floppy quality or “rag doll” appearance because their arms and legs hang by their sides and they have little or no head control. Other symptoms of hypotonia include problems with mobility and posture, breathing and speech difficulties, ligament and joint laxity, and poor reflexes. Hypotonia does not affect intellect. The opposite of hypotonia is hypertonia.
The NINDS supports research on conditions that can result from neurological disorders, such as hypotonia. Much of this research is aimed at learning more about these conditions and finding ways to prevent and treat them.
The long-term effects of hypotonia on a child’s development and later life depend primarily on the severity of the muscle weakness. Low muscle tone can result from trauma, environmental factors, or genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders. Hypotonia can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Hypotonia is exhausting. That’s because low muscle tone muscles work overtime just to keep up. Think of it as having to get up off the couch over and over and over again. Sometimes extra breaks, accommodations, and stroller rides are just necessary.
This can get confusing but think of it as a symptom instead of a cause. It’s the runny nose, not the common cold. Unless your child has benign congenital hypotonia, something else is responsible for the decreased muscle tone. Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and genetic disorders are all examples. Finding the root cause isn’t guaranteed, but it can help shape your child’s treatment.
, running, and having a career seem impossible. Stay strong. Childhood obstacles don’t necessarily dictate the future. Of course, nothing is guaranteed. And the severity can vary greatly. But with persistence and the right treatment, chances are your child will soar.
There are late bloomers and there are kids held back by physical limitations. There’s a difference. No one wants to slap labels on their child. But ignoring the obstacles doesn’t make them go away. Therapy appointments and
Surestep is the most effective means of providing stability to children who pronate. Children with low muscle tone who have trouble with stability due to pronation can now walk, run and jump with this patented, dynamic bracing system.
