Hypotonia is a condition characterized by low muscle tone. It can affect both skeletal muscles, which are the muscles that control movement, and smooth muscles, which are the muscles that control internal organs such as the heart and stomach. Hypotonia can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or acquired later in life.
There are many different signs of hypotonia. One common sign is floppiness, which means that affected limbs hang limply when held up rather than having any tension or resistance. Another common sign is reduced reflexes, meaning that reflexes such as knee-jerk or blinking are either diminished or completely absent. Affected individuals may also have difficulty feeding themselves due to weakened swallowing muscles, and may exhibit poor head control. In more severe cases, hypotonia can lead to respiratory problems due to weak chest muscles.
Hypotonia can have many different causes. In some cases, it may be due to a neurological disorder such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. It can also be caused by genetic conditions such as muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy. Acquired hypotonia may be the result of an injury or illness affecting the nervous system, like a stroke or polio infection. Sometimes the cause of hypotonia is unknown.
If you suspect your child has hypotonia, it’s important to consult with a doctor so they can rule out any serious underlying conditions and develop a treatment plan if necessary. Treatment for hypotonia often focuses on physical therapy to help strengthen affected muscles. If there is an underlying condition causing the hypotonia, treating that condition will usually improve muscle tone as well..