Does High Muscle Tone Always Mean Cerebral Palsy?
High muscle tone, also called hypertonia, means a baby’s muscles are unusually stiff or rigid. It’s one of the most common signs of cerebral palsy (CP) — but it isn’t always caused by CP.
What is hypertonia in babies?
It means a baby’s muscles are too tight, making it hard for them to move their arms and legs. Hypertonia in babies is caused by an injury or condition that affects how the central nervous system works, according to Cleveland Clinic.
High muscle tone in infants can make it harder to reach developmental milestones, including everyday movements like sitting up, crawling, or standing.
If your baby has high muscle tone or was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy, our labor and delivery nurses can help you better understand what it might mean for your child's future.
Connect with one of our registered nurses now to discuss options for treatment and financial assistance.
Cerebral Palsy and High Muscle Tone
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control motor functions, such as muscle tone. This is especially true in the most common form of CP — spastic cerebral palsy — which accounts for up to 80% of all cases.
For cerebral palsy patients, muscle tone can be low, high, or a combination of both. The type of muscle tone abnormality experienced is based on the severity and location of damage to the brain.
Hypertonia causes the muscles to stay too tight, which makes arms or legs stiff and hard to move. The problem isn’t in the muscles themselves, but in the way the brain controls them. Signals from the brain cause the muscles to stay contracted when they shouldn’t.
Cerebral palsy patients with hypertonia tend to have difficulty moving, very little flexibility, and involuntary movements.
What Causes Hypertonia in Babies?
Hypertonia in babies is usually caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, which can happen before, during, or shortly after birth. Although hypertonia is common in children with cerebral palsy, having a high muscle tone baby does not always mean your child will develop CP.
Other conditions that are linked with high muscle tone are:
- Brain bleeds (such as intraventricular hemorrhage)
- Genetic or metabolic disorders
- Infection of the brain (like meningitis or encephalitis)
- Oxygen deprivation during birth
- Traumatic brain injury
Each of these conditions can cause damage to the brain or nervous system. Sometimes, birth injuries that cause hypertonia could result from complications or mistakes during labor and delivery.
Diagnosing Your Child’s Hypertonia
Hypertonia is usually noticeable within the child’s first 18 months of life as their bodies start to develop. One of the tell-tale signs of high muscle tone is developmental delays related to movement and coordination.
Some of the most common hypertonia baby symptoms include:
- Delays in sitting, crawling, or walking
- Limited flexibility
- Muscle spasms or jerky movements
- Rigid posture or clenched fists
- Stiff arms or legs that resist movement
Since the symptoms of hypertonia are different for each patient, it is important to talk with your child’s doctor so they can begin diagnostic testing.
Doctors will first confirm symptoms during an examination before performing imaging tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans. Other tests may include an electromyogram, which measures muscle function.
If your child suffered a birth injury and later developed cerebral palsy and hypertonia, our registered nurses are here to help. Contact us at (855) 220-1101 now to get the answers and support you need.
Can Hypertonia in Babies Be Cured?
Hypertonia in babies cannot be cured, but early treatment can greatly improve movement, reduce stiffness, and help prevent long-term complications.
Once hypertonia is diagnosed, doctors will recommend a treatment plan. Many hypertonia treatment options, like physical therapy, are also commonly used to treat cerebral palsy.
Some exercises are introduced by physical therapists but can also be continued at home with proper guidance.
These are common hypertonia exercises for babies:
- Balance training
- Movement and walking practice
- Posture correction
- Special stretches for pain and tightness
- Strength training
Other treatment options may include muscle-relaxing medications such as baclofen, diazepam, and dantrolene.
Additionally, assistive devices like orthotics help keep limbs in proper positions to prevent muscles from over-constricting.
Interested in learning about more treatment options for cerebral palsy-related hypertonia? Download your free Cerebral Palsy Guide today.
Get Help With Cerebral Palsy and Hypertonia
Each year, around 30,000 babies experience birth injuries that can lead to lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy. These injuries may cause symptoms like hypertonia and, in some cases, may have been preventable with proper medical care.
Parents of children with cerebral palsy often feel overwhelmed by their child’s complex needs. The financial strain from ongoing medical costs can make it even harder to cope.
Cerebral Palsy Guide is dedicated to helping families get the resources they need for their children.
Call us at (855) 220-1101 right now or Click to Live Chat to see how we can help.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
