INFORMATION ON HYPOTONIA

Hypotonia is a condition of abnormally low muscle tone often involving reduced muscle strength. It is not as same as muscle weakness but it can co-exist with muscle weakness. Hypotonia may be caused by trauma, environmental factors, or by genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders. Hypotonia starts in adults; it may be due to cerebellar degeneration. Hypotonia is not a specific medical disorder, but a potential manifestation of many different diseases and disorders that affect motor nerve control by the brain or muscle strength. The long-term effects of hypotonia on a child's development and later life depend primarily on the severity of the muscle weakness and the nature of the cause.

SYNONYMS OF HYPOTONIA

Synonyms and related keywords:

1. Low Muscle Tone.
2. Benign Congenital Hypotonia.
3. Congenital Hypotonia.
4. Congenital Muscle Hypotonia.
5. Congenital Muscle Weakness.

CAUSES OF HYPOTONIA

Sometimes it is not be possible to find the cause of the hypotonia. Hypotonia may be caused by trauma, environmental factors, or by genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders. The causes of hypotonia are varied and numerous. Some involve trauma to, or diseases of, the brain or spinal cord, while others affect the peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or the muscles themselves.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTONIA

Symptoms of Hypotonia:

1. Problems with mobility and posture.
2. Breathing and speech difficulties.
3. Lethargy.
4. Ligament and joint laxity.
5. Poor reflexes.

DIAGNOSIS OF HYPOTONIA

Test under diagnosis are:

1. Electromyography.
2. Muscle biopsy.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
4. Computerised tomography scan.

TREATMENT OF HYPOTONIA

There is no currently known treatment or cure for causes of hypotonia, and objective manifestations can be life long. If the cause is highlighted then the treatment is tailored to the specific disease, followed by symptomatic and supportive therapy for the hypotonia. Physical therapy can improve fine motor control and overall body strength. Treatment may be primarily supportive, such as mechanical assistance with basic life functions like breathing and feeding, physical therapy to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain joint mobility, and measures to try and prevent opportunistic infections such as pneumonia.