Muscle Weak Point

Hypotonia is a disorder that causes low muscle tone (the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle), often involving reduced muscle strength. 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. Recognizing hypotonia, even in early infancy, is usually relatively straightforward, but diagnosing the underlying cause can be difficult and often unsuccessful. 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. Some disorders have a specific treatment but the principal treatment for most hypotonia of idiopathic or neurologic cause is physical therapy and/or occupational therapy to help the person compensate for the neuromuscular disabilitySince the muscles that support the bone joints are so soft, there is a tendency for hip, jaw and neck dislocations to occur. Some children with hypotonia may have trouble feeding, if they are unable to suck or chew for long periods. A child with hypotonia may also have problems with speech or exhibit shallow breathing.

• decreased muscle tone, muscles feel soft and doughy
• ability to extend limb beyond its normal limit
• failure to acquire motor related developmental milestones (such as holding head up without support from parent, rolling over, sitting up without support, walking)
• problems with feeding (inability to suck or chew for prolonged periods)
• shallow breathing
• mouth hangs open with tongue protruding (under-active gag reflex)

The signs and symptoms of hypotonia resemble that of other conditions. Always consult a physician for a diagnosis.

The following diagnostic tests may also be used. (Tests will vary depending on the suspected cause of hypotonia):

• blood tests
• computerized tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan) – a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• EMG (electromyogram) – a test used to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
• EEG (electroencephalogram) – a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain, called brain waves. An EEG measures brain waves through small button electrodes that are placed on your child’s scalp.
• spinal tap – also called lumbar puncture, a spinal tap is done to measure the amount of pressure in the spinal canal and/or to remove a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for testing. Cerebral spinal fluid is the fluid that bathes your child’s brain and spinal cord.
• karyotype – This test, a chromosomal analysis from a blood test, is used to determine whether the problem is the result of a genetic disorder. muscle biopsy – a sample of muscle tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

• your child’s age, overall health, and medical history
• the extent of the condition
• the underlying cause of the condition
• your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

No specific therapy is required to treat benign congenital hypotonia, but children with this problem may periodically need treatment for common occurrences associated with hypotonia, such as recurrent joint dislocations. See Dislocations.Treatment programs to help increase muscle strength and sensory stimulation programs are developed once the cause of your child’s hypotonia is established. Such programs usually involves physical therapy through an early intervention or school-based program among other forms of therapy.