Poor muscle tone

Poor Muscle Tone
Synonyms	Hypotonia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Decreased muscle strength, floppy limbs
Complications	Developmental delays
Onset	Birth or early childhood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic disorders, neurological conditions
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Physical examination, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, occupational therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Poor muscle tone, also known as hypotonia, is a condition characterized by decreased muscle strength and muscle tone. It is often identified in infants and young children and can be a sign of various underlying neurological or genetic disorders.

Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with poor muscle tone may exhibit floppy limbs, decreased muscle strength, and developmental delays. They may have difficulty with motor skills such as sitting, crawling, or walking.

Causes

Poor muscle tone can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
• Metabolic disorders and infections that affect the nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of poor muscle tone typically involves a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional. Genetic testing and neurological assessments may be conducted to identify any underlying conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for poor muscle tone often includes physical therapy and occupational therapy to improve muscle strength and motor skills. In some cases, speech therapy may also be beneficial.

See Also

• Muscle tone
• Hypotonia
• Neurological disorders
• Genetic disorders

External Links

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Hypotonia
• CDC - Child Development