Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy

Children with hypotonic cerebral palsy are those children who have very low muscle tone. They are also considered as floppy baby. In hypotonic cerebral palsy, the whole body is affected. Hypotonic Cerebral palsy is not so common form of cerebral palsy as compare to Spastic forms. The child has the following problems,

• Poor head control
• Very poor trunk control and stability
• Absence of protective reactions
• Absence of balance reaction
• Joints are excessively hyper mobile
• Arms and legs are hanged down like a doll
• Walking becomes very difficult
• Some children have breathing and swallowing difficulties
• Very difficult speech
• Mostly normal intelligence

 
Causes of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Hypotonic cerebral palsy is associated with abnormal brain development or brain damage (Cerebellum). Mostly congenital in origin but a few cases have been reported postnatal also. Cerebellum is the part of the brain which control balance and coordination of the body.  

Associated Problems with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Visual impairment
Hearing Impairment
Malnutrition
Feeding difficulties
Lax joints

Early recognition and Diagnosis of Children with Cerebral Palsy Hypotonia
As these babies are very floppy it is very easy to recognize the problem in early days.
Diagnosis making is very difficult as lot of neurological degenerative conditions mimic hypotonic cerebral palsy

Treatments and Management Techniques
Hypotonic CP requires very specialize treatments due to its varied presentations. ICD treats all children with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy with the following treatment systems

• Habilitation Therapies
• Use of medicines
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Alternative and Complementary Medicines

Role of Habilitation Therapies in the management of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Habilitation therapies are the primary treatment of children with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy. ICD’s (Re)habilitation therapy comprises of scientific parenting (Handling, Transfer and Carrying Technique), Use of Assistive technology- Aids & Appliances ( Postural aids, Mobility aids, Orthotic aids, Adaptive aids, Assistive aids, visual aids, hearing aids, etc), Play therapy, Developmental therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech  therapy, Special Education, Behavioral therapy, Counseling, etc

Role of Oral Medicines in the management of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
There is no specific medicine available to manage the generalized hypotonia. Medications are done to treat the additional or associated medical disorders.   

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the management of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
As HBOT is a generalized treatment for children with cerebral palsy; children with hypotonic CP are also eligible for this treatment system. When HBOT is accompanied with good pediatric therapy, encouraging results have been observed. When HBOT is provided alone, it shows very poor or no result in the total management of a child with Hypotonic CP.

Role of Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) in the management of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Stem cells therapy has been shown promising improvements in a few selected children with hypotonia. ICD provides 9-12 months post stem cell therapy to enhance the effect of stem cell injections. Meticulous screening is required to select a right candidate for stem cell therapy  

Role of Experimental Therapies in the management of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Due to unavailability of specific allopathic medicines, ICD prescribe need based alternative and complementary medicines to all children with hypotonic CP. ICD practices combination therapy by amalgamating standard therapies with Homeopathy, Ayurvedic, Unani, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Yoga, Hydrotherapy and Hippo therapy.

Prognosis and employment opportunities for person with Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Mostly children with hypotonic cerebral palsy have good mental ability, if they are given chance; they do very well in academics and computer based jobs. Mobility is always a concern.

If you want to know which treatment or therapies is best suited for your child / ward, please contact us and get free technical support
Mail at: helpicd@gmail.com, Whatsapp at: +91-7838809241, Voice Call at: +91-11-41012124 

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