What is hyptonia?

Hypotonia is a medical term that means "low muscle tone". Muscle tone is the amount of tension or resistance in a muscle when it is at rest. In people with hypotonia, their muscles are less tense and may feel floppy or weak.

Hypotonia can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including:

* Muscle diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis

* Neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis

* Genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome

* Metabolic disorders, such as hypothyroidism and rickets

* Drug side effects, such as those from sedatives, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs

Hypotonia can range from mild to severe, and it can affect the entire body or only certain muscles. In mild cases, hypotonia may not cause any noticeable problems. In more severe cases, it can lead to difficulties with movement, coordination, and balance. Hypotonia can also make it difficult to swallow, breathe, and speak.

Treatment for hypotonia typically focuses on the underlying cause. In some cases, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help to improve muscle tone and strength. In other cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.