Floppy infant

Floppy Infant

Floppy infant, also known as Hypotonia (pronounced hi-po-TO-ne-uh), is a medical term that refers to decreased muscle tone. It is not the same as muscle weakness, although the two conditions can coexist.

Etymology

The term "floppy infant" is derived from the English words "floppy", meaning "soft and hanging loosely or limply", and "infant", meaning "a very young child or baby". The term "hypotonia" is derived from the Greek words "hypo-", meaning "under", and "tonos", meaning "tension or tone".

Definition

A floppy infant is a baby who appears to be limp, with poor muscle tone, and who is unable to maintain a normal posture. The condition can be present at birth or develop later in life.

Causes

Floppy infant syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions, including genetic disorders, central nervous system disorders, peripheral nerve problems, muscle disorders, and metabolic diseases. Some of the most common causes include Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and Marfan Syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of floppy infant syndrome may include poor muscle tone, a lack of muscle firmness, and a delay in motor skills development. Other symptoms may include difficulty feeding, a weak cry, and a tendency to keep their hands in a fist.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of floppy infant syndrome typically involves a physical examination and a review of the infant's medical history. Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause of the condition, such as genetic testing, nerve conduction studies, or muscle biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for floppy infant syndrome depends on the underlying cause of the condition. It may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and in some cases, medication or surgery.

Related Terms

• Muscle tone
• Motor skills
• Genetic disorder
• Central nervous system
• Peripheral nerve
• Metabolic disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Floppy infant
• Wikipedia's article - Floppy infant

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