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Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy

What Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects muscle movement and control. People with CP have it for life.

There are different types of cerebral palsy. Kids with hypotonic (hi-po-TAHN-ik) CP have muscles that are loose and weak. Other kinds of CP can lead to stiff muscles (spastic CP), sudden twisting movements (dyskinetic CP), or problems with balance and walking (ataxic CP). Some kids have more than one kind of CP, also called “mixed pattern CP.” And sometimes, the kind of CP a child has can change over time.

Hypotonic CP is rarer than other types of CP.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

The cause of CP isn't always known. But often it happens when a child's brain is still developing, such as before birth or in early infancy. This may be due to:

infections or other medical problems during the mother’s pregnancy
a stroke either in the womb or after birth
untreated jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
genetic disorders
lead poisoning
bacterial meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain)
poor blood flow to the brain
being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome)
an injury from an accident (like a car accident)

In rare cases, CP happens after a problem during childbirth.

Premature babies (babies born early) are at higher risk for CP than full-term babies. So are other low-birthweight babies and those in multiple births, like twins and triplets.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

Kids with hypotonic CP may have:

poor muscle tone, so their muscles seem “floppy,” and trouble controlling head movements
very flexible joints and muscles, and slowed reflexes
balance problems and walking with legs spread apart
trouble with fine motor skills (little motions made with fingers, hands, toes, and feet — like picking up objects with fingers)
a hard time chewing, swallowing, and breathing
developmental delays (not having skills, like speaking or walking, at expected ages)
pain from muscle spasms or issues with their bones and joints

Hypotonic CP can be mild or severe, depending on how much of the brain is affected.

Brain damage that causes CP also can affect other brain functions and lead to problems with vision, hearing, speech, behavior, and learning. Some kids have seizures.

How Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Most children with hypotonic CP are diagnosed by age 2. Doctors look for signs of CP if a baby is born early or has another health problem that's linked to CP.

No single test can diagnose hypotonic CP. So doctors look at many things, like a child's development, growth, reflexes, movement, and muscle tone.

Testing may include a brain MRI, an ultrasound, or a CT scan. Blood tests and urine tests check for other medical conditions, like genetic ones. An EEG can check electrical activity in the brain and an EMG can look for muscle weakness. Doctors will also see how the child walks and moves. They may do speech, hearing, and vision testing too.

How Is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy Treated?

There’s no cure for CP. But resources and therapies can help kids grow and do their best. The treatment plan may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Devices such as leg braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs can help kids move. Doctors may suggest medicine for movement problems and pain, and special nutrition to help with growth. In some cases, surgery can improve motion in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists, and arms.

What Else Should I Know?

Kids with CP often need to see many different medical specialists for care. That team may include doctors and surgeons, other providers like physical assistants, nurses, therapists, psychologists, educators, and social workers.

Even if many medical specialists are needed, it's still important to have a primary care provider or a medical home. This provider will take care of your child's routine health care and help you coordinate care with other doctors.

Where Can Caregivers Get Help?

Taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Kids with CP need a lot of attention at home, and need to go to many medical visits and therapies. Don't be afraid to say yes when someone asks, "Can I help?" Your family and friends really do want to be there for you.

To feel less alone and to connect with others who are facing the same challenges, find a local or online support group. You also can get information and support from CP organizations, such as:

Staying strong is not only good for you, but also for your child and your whole family.

Looking Ahead

Life with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child do as well as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan. Then, as your child grows and their needs change, adjust the plan as needed.

These guides can help as you plan for each stage of childhood and early adulthood:

Medically reviewed by: M. Wade Shrader, MD

Date reviewed: December 2024