Hypotonia

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Another sign of cerebellar damage is hypotonia. There is a diminished, pendulous myotatic reflex because, after the initial reflex contraction, the muscle resistance tends to make the limb swing back and forth.

Numerous conditions that affect the central and/or peripheral motor nervous systems can present clinically as hypotonia. A thorough history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are essential evaluation steps that are necessary for making an accurate diagnosis. The term "cerebral" (or "central") hypotonia suggests pathogenesis from anomalies in the central nervous system, and related causal disorders include cerebral dysgenesis and genetic or metabolic disorders.

In contrast to peripheral (lower motor neuron) causes, which frequently result in both hypotonia and muscle weakness, patients with central hypotonia typically have hypotonia without accompanying weakness. A logical, stepwise diagnosis is necessary because hypotonia is a clinical sign of more than 500 genetic disorders. Recent developments in genetic testing will undoubtedly increase diagnostic yield. Although there is no cure, supportive therapies like physical and occupational therapy and diagnosis-specific management are used in treatment.

Causes

Although it might not be possible to determine the cause, the following factors could cause the impairment:

  • trauma
  • environmental factors
  • genetic, muscle, or central nervous system disorders

Hypotonia can be seen in:

  • Down syndrome
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Myotonic dystrophy
  • Tay-Sachs disease

Symptoms

Because their arms and legs hang by their sides and they have weak or no head control, infants with hypotonia may appear floppy or "rag doll" like. Additional signs include:

  • issues with posture and mobility
  • speech and breathing issues
  • laxity of ligaments and joints
  • faulty reflexes

Treatment

A thorough diagnostic assessment comes before treatment. This is typically done by a neurologist and involves evaluating:

  • motor and sensory skills
  • balance and coordination
  • mental status
  • reflexes
  • functioning of the nerves

After a diagnosis is made, the primary condition is treated. Treatment to alleviate symptoms and offer support is then given; this may involve speech-language, occupational, and physical therapies. Programs for sensory stimulation may also be used in therapy for babies and young children.

Hypotonia can be a life-long condition. In some cases, muscle tone improves over time.

vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot
Reference:

Cerebellar Dysarthria (Speech) | Digital Magazine of the SSRA. Living with Superficial Siderosis. (2017, December 15). https://livingwithss.com/glossary/cerebellar-dysarthria/ ‌

Clinic, C. (2023). Dysarthria (Slurred Speech): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17653-dysarthria ‌

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