Raising a child that suffers from Hypotonia can be quite difficult as the condition is characterized by severely low muscle tone. This is basically the result of the manifestation of many different diseases and disorders that affect the motor nerve control by the brain muscle or strength. The condition is not the same as suffering from muscle weakness, but is most likely to co – exist. The condition is more of a physical deformity in a child and it not associated with any kind of intellect reduction. However, some cases have seen that affected children may take a little longer to develop language, social and reasoning skills. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition include problems with mobility, posture, breathing, lethargy, speech difficulties and joint laxity as well as poor reflexes. Because the condition is normally diagnosed at infancy, it also carries the name ‘floppy infant syndrome’ as a result of the fact that the child may seem to very easily slip out of a persons hands. Hypotonic infants will also have a considerable amount of difficulty in feeding as a result of the fact that their mouth muscles are unable to maintain any significant suck swallow patterns or even a good breastfeeding latch.
There are a number of factors that influence the extent to which the condition will affect the overall quality of life that your child will lead. Some of these factors include the child’s overall health, medical history, severity of the condition as well as the child’s tolerance to certain medications and therapies. Unfortunately, there is no sure shot treatment option for the condition and, when hypotonia is caused by the presence of some other underlying medical condition, initial treatment should be primarily focused on curing that condition, subsequently followed by supportive therapy. As with any kind of muscle deformity or suppleness, physical therapy is usually the most effective treatment option. Physiotherapy will go a long way into helping the child be able to attain unsupported movement – thereby also increasing the chances of the child being able to participate in sports and other strenuous physical activity at a later stage. Speech language and occupational therapy is widely used in order to help develop the child’s mouth muscles – thereby helping reduce the effects of ay speech breathing or even swallowing difficulties. The condition is likely to take a significant toll on the parents and some help may be required at times of substantial intensity. Most specialists will also provide you with contact information for support groups in your area that will provide experienced assistance.