Return Home
HealthSearch
Health Guide
Multimedia Encyclopedia
    Hypotonia
   
Hypotonia

Hypotonia is an abnormal neurological sign in newborn or older infants, and may suggest central nervous system dysfunction, genetic disorders, or muscle disorders. Infants with hypotonia rest with their elbows and knees loosely extended. Infants with normal tone tend to have slightly bent elbows and knees. Head control may be poor or absent in children with hypotonia with the head falling to the side, backward, or forward.

Review Date: 4/8/2025
Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.