Hypertonicity in children: what is it?

All babies are born into this world with their own characteristics. One of these physiological features is considered to be increased muscle tone. During the first few months, muscle tone gradually returns to normal. But in some children the increased tension persists.

Muscle hypertonicity in a child: causes

Normally, the legs and arms of a newborn baby are constantly in a bent position. He never straightens them completely, although he moves them constantly. The reason for this is that the muscles responsible for flexion are noticeably more active during this period of his life than the muscles responsible for straightening. This condition is considered a physiological norm in newborns.

Gradually, the child himself straightens his fists, straightens his arms and legs, and he can move more freely. By about six months of age, the increased muscle tone goes away on its own. But this does not happen to all children.

There may be several reasons for this condition:

• Insufficient oxygen or hypoxia in the womb.
• Stress and illness of a woman during pregnancy, severe toxicosis.
• Hypertonicity can be caused by various complications that occur during childbirth or a cesarean section.
• Failure to follow doctor's recommendations during pregnancy.

But don’t despair, this situation is quite treatable if you start it on time.

Hypertonicity in children under one year old

Upon reaching six months of age, almost all babies experience symptoms of hypertonicity. But if by this age muscle tension still persists, a consultation with a pediatric neurologist is necessary.

The following signs should be a warning sign for attentive parents:

• The child sleeps poorly and little.
• In a lying position, the child moves his head back and tucks in his arms and legs.
• Attempts to spread the baby's arms or legs to the sides cause crying. At the same time, a strong resistance is felt in the muscles.
• If you hold your baby in an upright position, he tries to stand on his tiptoes rather than on his full foot.
• When crying, the child pulls his head back and arches his back.
• The baby often burps.
• He reacts to light or loud sound by crying.

All these symptoms indicate damage to the areas of the brain responsible for muscle condition. This may indicate high intracranial pressure, high excitability or other pathological conditions. If measures are not taken for timely treatment, then in the future the baby may have problems with coordination, he may develop an incorrect gait and ugly posture. Such a child will lag behind his peers in physical development, especially in terms of physical activity. The baby will definitely have delays in speech development.

Massage for muscle hypertonicity in a child

It is important to treat the baby in a timely manner in order to completely eliminate the signs of hypertension. Treatment prescribed by a doctor is usually complex. One of its components is a special massage. Its goal is to relax the baby's muscles. Massage for children should only be performed by a highly qualified specialist who specializes in working with children.

Typically, a massage course includes at least ten procedures. This will allow for significant improvement in the child’s condition. In particular, thanks to massage, the baby’s motor skills improve. It is very important that the massage does not give the child any unpleasant sensations or emotions. Crying during the procedure will only provoke an increase in muscle tone.

Treatment of hypertension in children

In addition to massage sessions, the doctor will prescribe other treatment methods for children with muscle hypertonicity:

• The child will need to undergo therapeutic treatment for one and a half months. physical education.  Parents must conduct such classes independently. It is important to take into account the baby’s condition during exercise. They should not make him feel bad or cry. Otherwise, the effect of classes will be exactly the opposite.
• It is necessary to make the baby relax baths with soothing herbs. Lavender, mint, and valerian work best for young children.
• The child will definitely be prescribed a course of special vitamins and amino acids.
• Physiological procedures have a very good effect on hypertension.

All prescribed measures must be carried out systematically. Only in this case will it be possible to get rid of the signs of increased tone and prevent catastrophic consequences for the baby’s health. If, after a month and a half after starting treatment in this way, the effect is not positive, then the doctor prescribes more radical measures - drug treatment.