Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypotonia is decreased muscle tone. It is often an early sign of a chronic condition such as a neuromuscular disorder, genetic disease, or metabolic disease.
Hypotonia is different frommuscle weakness. Normal muscles always have a small amount of contraction, even when they are relaxed. People with hypotonia do not have any contractions in their muscles.
Catherine Delahaye
This condition can affect children and adults and is often detected during infancy.Babies with hypotonia appear floppy and have limbs that look like a rag doll. They usually have poor head control.
This article will describe the signs and causes of hypotonia, possible diagnostic tests, and treatment options.
Hypotonia describes an absence of muscle tone. Common signs and symptoms include:
Damage to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or muscles could result in hypotonia. Damage to these structures could come from trauma, genetics, infection, or an underlying medical condition.
Common causes of hypotonia include:
Hypotonia is usually discovered during infancy because of delayed motor skills. Infants with hypotonia are not able to meet fine or gross motor milestones because they lack muscle strength and control to achieve them.
When you and your healthcare provider discover your child’s hypotonia, the next step is to determine the underlying cause. This usually includes a visit to a pediatricneurologist. A pediatricgeneticistmay be consulted as well.
The diagnostic process starts with a physical exam to evaluate the nervous system and muscle function. Depending on your child’s symptoms, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:
When hypotonia does not have a known cause, it is known as benign congenital hypotonia.
Treatment for hypotonia depends on the underlying cause. Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment plan is developed based on the underlying condition or injury. Once the cause itself is addressed, the healthcare provider will help the patient manage their symptoms.
Two forms of treatment that are very helpful for hypotonia arephysical therapyandoccupational therapy. A physical therapist can assist with muscle stretching and strengthening over time. An occupational therapist specializes in fine motor skills and can provide education and training in speech and swallowing techniques.
The prognosis for hypotonia depends on the underlying cause. Many of the neuromuscular and genetic diseases that cause hypotonia cannot be cured. However, many of the symptoms can be addressed.
Summary
“Hypotonia” means “lack of muscle tone.” It is usually a sign of an underlying medical disorder such as a neuromuscular, genetic, or metabolic disease. Common symptoms of hypotonia include decreased muscle tone, extended limbs, delayed milestones, feeding problems, speech delays, breathing difficulties, and more.
Possible causes include Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Treatment for hypotonia depends on the underlying cause. Once the cause is addressed, the healthcare team will then address the symptoms. Your care team will likely include a physical therapist and occupational therapist.
A Word From Verywell
Hypotonia is a concerning sign that often means there is a serious medical condition causing it. Discovering that your infant has hypotonia is devastating for parents, and the diagnostic process can be long and overwhelming. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider and reach out for help as often as you can.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCommon symptoms of hypotonia include decreased muscle tone, extended limbs, delayed milestones, feeding problems, speech delays, breathing difficulties, joint dislocations, and a protruding tongue.Possible causes of hypotonia include chronic conditions like Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and Tay-Sachs disease.There is no known cure for hypotonia. However, some infants and children with hypotonia are able to gain strength and muscle tone over time. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
Common symptoms of hypotonia include decreased muscle tone, extended limbs, delayed milestones, feeding problems, speech delays, breathing difficulties, joint dislocations, and a protruding tongue.
Possible causes of hypotonia include chronic conditions like Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and Tay-Sachs disease.
There is no known cure for hypotonia. However, some infants and children with hypotonia are able to gain strength and muscle tone over time. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hypotonia.Mercuri E, Pera MC, Brogna C.Neonatal hypotonia and neuromuscular conditions.Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;162:435-448. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-64029-1.00021-7National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Hypotonia information page.Boston Children’s Hospital.Muscle weakness (hypotonia).
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hypotonia.Mercuri E, Pera MC, Brogna C.Neonatal hypotonia and neuromuscular conditions.Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;162:435-448. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-64029-1.00021-7National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Hypotonia information page.Boston Children’s Hospital.Muscle weakness (hypotonia).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hypotonia.Mercuri E, Pera MC, Brogna C.Neonatal hypotonia and neuromuscular conditions.Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;162:435-448. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-64029-1.00021-7National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Hypotonia information page.Boston Children’s Hospital.Muscle weakness (hypotonia).
MedlinePlus.Hypotonia.
Mercuri E, Pera MC, Brogna C.Neonatal hypotonia and neuromuscular conditions.Handb Clin Neurol. 2019;162:435-448. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-64029-1.00021-7
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Hypotonia information page.
Boston Children’s Hospital.Muscle weakness (hypotonia).
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