Having a child with high muscle tone – Hypertonicity in a child

Hypertonicity is when your muscles are extremely tight (your brain and nerves cause it).  It is not just a physical problem.  It is a nerve and brain issue, too.

When it comes to cerebral palsy, your child may have spastic cp (hypertonic) or hypotonia. Hyper is going to describe the high tone and hypo is going to describe the low tone. In Maddalena’s case, she has spastic (hypertonic) diplegia cp.

Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is a form of cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that usually appears in infancy or early childhood, and permanently affects muscle control and coordination. Affected people have increased muscle tone which leads to spasticity (stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes) in the legs. The arm muscles are generally less affected or not affected at all. Other signs and symptoms may include delayed motor or movement milestones (i.e. rolling over, sitting, standing); walking on toes; and a "scissored" gait (style of walking).

As with other types of cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia is usually caused by brain damage, which generally happens before, during, or shortly after birth. Babies born prematurely and with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. The exact cause is often unknown; however, the condition has been associated with genetic abnormalities; congenital brain malformations; maternal infections or fevers; and/or injury before, during or shortly after birth. There is no cure, and treatment options vary depending on the signs and symptoms present in each person and the severity of the condition, and may include physical, occupational and speech therapy, medication and surgery. Cerebral palsy can vary from a mild case to a severe case. Your neurologist will be able to tell you which type of cerebral palsy your child has.

What can you do for high tone NOW?

• Get therapy ASAP!

• Do stretches. Stretch those tight muscles.

• Do massages. YouTube has some great videos for massage and cp.

• Do joint compressions. Joint Compression is providing input into one's joints (namely at the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers) for proprioceptive input. Proprioception refers to the physical input on the body's joints, muscles, and bones that then elicit chemical, physiological, and physical changes in the body. You can find YouTube videos

• Pray. Trust in your faith.