Muscular hypotension, decreased muscle tone: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Hypotonia; Decreased muscle tone; Floppy infant

Muscular hypotension is a disorder, which refers to abnormally low muscle tone, resulting in decreased muscle strength and control. It can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults. Hypotension is not a specific medical diagnosis, but rather a clinical sign, which can be caused by many underlying conditions. In this article, we will discuss the reasons, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for hypotension.

Causes of muscle hypotension

There are several potential causes of hypotension, including:

• Central nervous system disorders (CNS). Hypotension may occur due to damage to the central nervous system, including brain and spinal cord. Some examples of CNS disorders, which can cause hypotension, include cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.
• Genetic disorders. Hypotension can be a symptom of several genetic diseases, including Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome.
• Metabolic disorders. Some metabolic disorders, such as mitochondrial myopathy and glycogen storage diseases, can lead to hypotension.
• Neuromuscular disorders. Neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, can cause hypotension.
• Trauma. Trauma or injury to the brain or spinal cord can cause hypotension.

Symptoms of muscle hypotension

Symptoms of hypotension can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.. Some common symptoms include:

• Poor muscle tone. Hypotension often leads to decreased muscle strength and control. Infants with hypotension may appear "sluggish" or have difficulty maintaining their own weight..
• Milestone delay. Children with hypotension may have delays in developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling or walking.
• Joint weakness. Hypotension can cause joint weakness, which can lead to dislocations or subluxations of the joints.
• Problems with speech. Hypotension can affect muscles, used for speech, leading to speech difficulties.
• Difficulty swallowing. Hypotension can also affect muscles, used for swallowing, leading to difficulty swallowing or choking.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you or your child experience symptoms of hypotension, it is important to see a doctor for examination. Hypotension may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When evaluating hypotension, your doctor may ask you a few questions, to help determine the underlying cause of the condition. Some questions, that your doctor may ask, include:

• When did you first notice the symptoms of hypotension??
• Have symptoms worsened over time?
• Are there any other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or speech difficulties?
• Have you or your child been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
• Were there similar conditions in the family?

Diagnosis of muscular hypotension

Diagnosis of hypotension requires a thorough medical examination, including medical examination and history taking. Additional tests may be ordered depending on the suspected underlying cause. Some common diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests to detect nutritional deficiencies, endocrine and autoimmune diseases.
• Urine tests to check for infections or metabolic problems.
• Neurological examination to assess muscle strength, movements and posture.
• Rheotachygraphy (DOH). EMG is a diagnostic test, which measures the electrical activity of muscles. This may help determine, whether hypotension is caused by a neuromuscular disorder.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRT). MRI is a diagnostic test, which uses magnetic fields to obtain detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. This can help detect any structural abnormalities., which can cause hypotension.
• Genetic testing. Genetic testing can help identify any underlying genetic disorders, which can cause hypotension.

Treatment of muscular hypotension

Treatment for hypotension depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, there may be no cure for this condition., and treatment may be aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. Some treatment options for hypotension include:

• Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy may help improve muscle strength and control in people with hypotension. It can also help improve mobility and coordination.
• Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can help people with hypotension develop daily living skills, such as self-dressing and eating.
• Speech Therapy. Speech therapy can help improve communication skills in people with hypotension, who have speech problems.
• Medicines. In some cases, medications may be used to treat underlying conditions., causing hypotension, such as myasthenia gravis.
• Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct dislocations or subluxations of the joints., caused by hypotension.

Home treatment for muscle hypotonia

In addition to drug treatment, there are several things, things people with hypotension can do at home, to manage your symptoms, including:

• Exercises. Regular exercise may help improve muscle strength and control in people with hypotension. Low impact exercise, such as swimming, walking and yoga, can be helpful.
• Auxiliary devices. Auxiliary devices, such as braces or splints, can help support weak muscles and improve mobility.
• Adaptive Hardware. Adaptive Hardware, such as utensils with large handles or writing utensils, may help people with hypotension perform daily activities more easily.
• Healthy diet. A healthy diet can help support overall health and well-being, what can be helpful for people with hypotension.

Prevention of muscle hypotension

It is not always possible to prevent hypotension, since it is often caused by concomitant diseases, that cannot be prevented. Nonetheless, there are some steps, things people can do to improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing conditions, which can cause hypotension, including:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating, regular exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing conditions, which can cause hypotension.
• genetic counseling. If you have a family history of genetic disorders, which can cause hypotension, genetic counseling can help you understand your risk and make informed decisions about family planning.

Conclusion

Muscular hypotension is a disease, characterized by decreased muscle tone and control. This can be caused by various background conditions, including disorders of the central nervous system, genetic disorders, metabolic disorders, neuromuscular disorders, as well as injury or injury.

Symptoms of hypotension may include poor muscle tone, delay of the main stages of development, joint weakness, speech difficulties and difficulty swallowing.

Treatment for hypotension depends on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medicines and surgery. In addition to medical treatment, there are several things, things people with hypotension can do at home, to help manage your symptoms, including exercise, auxiliary devices, adaptive equipment and healthy eating.

Although prevention of hypotension is not always possible, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking genetic counseling, if it's appropriate, may help reduce the risk of developing conditions, which can cause hypotension.

Used sources and literature

Burnette WB. Hypotonic (floppy) infant. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 30.

Johnston MV. Encephalopathies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 616.

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuch AM. Weakness and hypotonia. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuch AM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 182.

Sarnat HB. Evaluation and investigation of neuromuscular disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 625.