Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)

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• QWhat is hypotonia?

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  A Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answered

  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.
  
  This information is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

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• QHow is hypotonia treated?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Treatment of hypotonia begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including an assessment of motor and sensory skills, balance and coordination, mental status, reflexes, and functioning of the nerves. Diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan of the brain, an EMG to evaluate nerve and muscle function, or an EEG to measure electrical activity in the brain may also be necessary. Once a diagnosis has been made, the underlying condition is treated first, followed by symptomatic and supportive therapy for the hypotonia. Physical therapy can improve fine motor control and overall body strength. Occupational and speech-language therapy can help breathing, speech, and swallowing difficulties. Therapy for infants and young children may also include sensory stimulation programs.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

• QWhat are the symptoms of hypotonia?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Hypotonia is itself a symptom-it's low muscle tone that may be caused by a variety of disorders or injuries. If low muscle tone occurs in infants, the baby may seem "floppy" or like a rag doll. Babies often have poor control of neck muscles, causing their heads to fall to one side. Their limbs may hang limply instead of being flexed. Hypotonia may cause other problems, including difficulty walking, posture issues, poor reflexes, and difficulty breathing.

• QHow does hypotonia affect the body?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Since hypotonia can be caused by a number of conditions, it may affect the body in a variety of ways. Hypotonia usually causes low muscle tone throughout the body's voluntary muscles. Babies with hypotonia may have poor neck control, causing their heads to fall to one side. Their limbs may also be limp or "floppy." Hypotonia may also cause trouble with walking and posture, and may lead to breathing problems if respiratory muscles are affected.

• QHow is hypotonia diagnosed?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Because hypotonia may be caused by such a wide variety of problems, there are many things a doctor may do to diagnose the cause of hypotonia. Usually, a doctor will begin with a physical examination that includes an analysis of symptoms and a review of medical history. Doctors may then evaluate your muscle and nerve function by assessing motor skills, balance, reflexes, and other important aspects of body function that may be impaired by low muscle tone. Doctors may also use other tests that measure nerve function or electrical activity in the brain and other muscles. Specialists, including neurologists and geneticists, may help diagnose the underlying condition.

• QShould I talk to a doctor about my hypotonia symptoms?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of hypotonia, or low muscle tone, it's best to talk with your doctor. In babies, symptoms of hypotonia usually include limp limbs and poor neck and head control, resulting in a "floppy baby" or "rag doll" quality. Other symptoms in children may include lack of coordination and balance, difficulty walking, and difficulty breathing. In adults, symptoms may include slow reflexes, mobility and posture issues, and general lethargy, among others. Since hypotonia can have so many underlying causes, it's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing any of these symptoms so that the doctor can diagnose and treat your condition as soon as possible.

• QHow do medications treat hypotonia?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Generally, medications aren't the primary treatment used for hypotonia. However, treatment depends on the underlying cause of the low muscle tone. If the underlying condition is an infection or other disorder that can be treated with medications, then medication may also help hypotonia. Usually, hypotonia is most commonly treated with physical, occupational, and speech therapies to strengthen muscles and help with everyday tasks that may be affected by decreased muscle tone.

• QAre there alternative treatments for hypotonia?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Treatment for hypotonia-including alternative treatment-usually depends on the underlying condition that's causing the decreased muscle tone. In general, therapies that strengthen muscles and improve fine motor skills are the most helpful treatment for hypotonia. This means that exercises that have similar effects may also be beneficial for hypotonia. However, it's important to talk with your doctor about any treatment for hypotonia to make sure you're getting what's best for you and your condition.

• QCan hypotonia be prevented?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Because hypotonia may be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from genetic neurological disorders to injuries, it's hard to say whether it can be prevented. In rare cases where hypotonia is caused by birth defects, taking precautions for a healthy pregnancy may be a preventive measure. But generally, it may be difficult to prevent because it's often caused by genetic disorders.  However, by diagnosing and treating any underlying conditions, you may be able to prevent hypotonia. Also, you may be able to reduce the symptoms of hypotonia through physical and occupational therapy, which may help reduce the impact of the condition on your everyday life.

• QHow do I manage my hypotonia on a daily basis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Managing hypotonia generally depends on the cause for the decreased muscle tone. Many of the conditions that cause hypotonia require continuous treatment, including medications and therapies. It's important to follow your doctor's advice for treating your underlying condition. It's also important to participate in physical and occupational therapies as recommended by your doctor so that you can improve your strength and motor skills. Hypotonia may be a challenging condition to live with, but working with your doctor will help you manage the symptoms as best as possible.