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Reduced muscle tone (muscle hypotension) is most often diagnosed in infants and children. A characteristic symptom is the baby's flaccid muscles, which are inert, "overflowing through the hands". What are the other symptoms of low muscle tone? What is the treatment? What are the causes of the disease?

Reduced muscle tone (muscle hypotension)is a condition in which the nervous system does not work properly with the muscular system. The path of the nerve impulse that goes from the brain to the muscles is damaged. The result is an insufficient response to this impulse, which manifests itself in too "loose", flaccid muscles.

Muscle tension is assessed by a doctor right after the baby is born. The newborn baby is then examined by a neonatologist according to the Apgar scale. However, it is not always possible to identify problems then. A newborn's muscles are usually more tense than that of an infant who is one month old - this is normal at this time. That's why it's important to keep an eye on your baby's development.

Reduced muscle tone - symptoms

When the infant and child have decreased muscle tone:

If the baby is lying on its tummy, it does not try to raise its head, does not play with its own hands, does not raise its feet, there are reasons for concern.

  • is flaccid, "flows through your hands"
  • reluctantly sucks her breast
  • almost never cries
  • does not raise her feet to her mouth
  • does not play with his hands
  • does not grab the toys
  • placed on the tummy, does not try to raise the head and does not lean on the arms straightened in the elbows
  • doesn't focus when you lean over him and talk to him
  • when you change its position, e.g. when scrolling, it gets angry and shouts
  • lifted by the handles, does not "pull" the heads behind you (it falls to the sides or leans back)
  • does not turn to the sides and tummy, does not try to crawl

A child with muscle hypotension is calm, but only until you change the position of his body - then he gets nervous and screams.

  • planted, falls
  • sits down later than his peers. Then he chooses the position of the letter "W", that is sit between the heels, "sit the frog". Then the bumlocated between the feet. Crooked knees are also characteristic
  • choking often while eating
  • has difficulty writing at school and trouble in physical education
Important

A child with low muscle tone has no resistance when you pick it up or twist it. It is completely passive. His body is slender, "poured over his hands". Then there is only screaming and crying, which are an expression of the lack of control over your body.

Reduced muscle tone - causes

The causes of decreased muscle tone may be diseases of the neuromuscular system (spinal muscular atrophy, neuropathies, myopathies in infancy), as well as genetic disorders, e.g. Down syndrome, Willy-Prader syndrome.

Muscle hypotension can also be a result of cerebral hypoxia during childbirth, intracranial bleeding, central nervous system infection, encephalopathy.

Among other causes, connective tissue diseases can be distinguished; Primary elastopathies (connective tissue dysfunctions), e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or secondary elastopathies as a result of metabolic diseases.

Reduced muscle tone - diagnosis

Reduced muscle tone is usually noticed by the pediatrician during follow-up visits. When he notices any abnormalities, he refers him to a neurologist. The specialist will examine the child, assess its development, reflexes, and check the muscle tone. If something worries him, he or she will order a painless ultrasound scan, which will allow him to assess the baby's brain.

Worth knowing

Reduced muscle tone - consequences

The consequence of reduced muscle tone is a delay in psychomotor development. Hypotension may also result in difficulties in getting rid of secretions from the respiratory tract, which is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis and pneumonia. Reduced tension may also cause posture defects, e.g. scoliosis.

Reduced muscle tension - treatment and rehabilitation

If during the examination of the child, the neurologist confirms problems with muscle tone, he will refer the child to rehabilitation, which lasts for the rest of his life. It is conducted by a rehabilitator in a specialized center, as well as at home by parents.

These methods are best suited to the nature and intensity of the abnormalities in the child and his sensitivity. Regular exercise trains the muscles to work properly.

Two methods are most often used:

  • Vojta method - the exercises consist in applying pressure to specific points on the child's body. Their stimulation causes"Self-repair" of the brain. For rehabilitation to be effective, exercises must be performed regularly, every few hours
  • NDT Bobath (Neuro Development Treatment) - exercises provide the child with sensory and motor stimuli, thus improving his body and muscles

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