Hypotonia

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Central nervous system

Hypotonia

Floppy; Decreased muscle tone; Hypotonic infant

Extra care must be taken when lifting and carrying a hypotonic infant to avoid causing an injury to the child.

Call if your child appears "floppy", especially if he or she previously seemed to have normal muscle control.

The family history and the child's medical history will be obtained. A physical examination will be performed. Most of the disorders associated with hypotonia also cause other symptoms that, when taken together, will suggest a particular disorder.

Medical history questions may include:

• When did you first notice that your baby seemed floppy?
• Was it apparent at birth?
• Did it develop suddenly or gradually?
• Have you ever noticed a pattern to the behavior (is it always the same or is it worse at certain times)?
• How exactly does the child act?
• Is the child generally limp, or only floppy in certain areas?
• What other symptoms are present?

The physical examination will probably include a detailed nervous system and muscle function examination.

Diagnostic tests will vary depending on the suspected cause of the hypotonia.

Review Date: 05/12/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.