Hypotonic cerebral palsy is a rare form of cerebral palsy marked by abnormally low muscle tone. It is one of the least common types of cerebral palsy, accounting for only a small percentage of cases
Children with hypotonic cerebral palsy often feel limp or “floppy,” because their muscles cannot provide the tension needed to hold a position. Importantly, the problem is stability, not strength. The muscles are not weak so much as unable to stay firm enough to support movement and posture.
Hypertonic vs. Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
These two conditions reflect the opposite ends of the muscle-tone spectrum.
- Hypertonic cerebral palsy involves increased muscle tone. The muscles are stiff and rigid.
- Hypotonic cerebral palsy involves decreased muscle tone. The muscles are loose and floppy, and joints may be unusually flexible.
Hypertonic cerebral palsy is far more common and features the tight, jerky movements common in spastic cerebral palsy. Some children have features of both (mixed cerebral palsy).
What Are Common Causes of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?
Like all forms of cerebral palsy, the hypotonic type results from brain damage or abnormal brain development before or during/after birth. This form is generally tied to damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance, coordination, and posture.
Common causes of this condition include:
- Oxygen deprivation during a difficult or prolonged delivery
- Infections during pregnancy that reach the developing brain
- Stroke or bleeding in the infant’s brain
- Premature birth and low birth weight
- Physical trauma during delivery
In some cases, hypotonic cerebral palsy may be connected to a medical provider’s failure to monitor and provide proper care to a mother and/or baby during labor and delivery. Many of these injuries are preventable when medical teams follow appropriate medical standards.
What Are Common Symptoms of Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?
Hypotonic cerebral palsy often surfaces in infancy. Parents and doctors may notice:
- Floppy, limp limbs
- Poor head control
- Loose, overly flexible joints
- Weak or delayed reflexes
- Missed milestones such as rolling over, sitting, and walking
- Difficulty feeding, swallowing, or breathing
- Trouble with speech
Fortunately, this condition doesn’t usually affect intelligence, although the physical challenges can be significant and last for life.
What Damages Can I Recover for My Child’s Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy Injury?
Cerebral palsy requires lifelong care and expensive treatment and therapies. If a birth injury caused your child’s cerebral palsy, Texas medical malpractice law allows you to seek compensation for all the personal and financial losses your child and family have suffered.
If your claim is successful, recoverable damages typically include:
- Medical expenses, including future bills
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Assistive devices and home modifications
- In-home or skilled nursing care
- Special education and related services
- Your child’s lost future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
If you believe a preventable medical error caused your child’s hypotonic cerebral palsy, an experienced birth injury attorney can review the records and explain your options. Contact Hampton & King today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights.