Hypertonia in children: what is it

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

Hypertonicity of muscles in a child: causes

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

Gradually, the child himself spreads his fists, straightens the arms and legs, he can already move more freely. By about six months of age, the increased muscle tone resolves on its own. But this is not the case with all children.

There may be several reasons for this condition:

• Insufficient oxygen or hypoxia in the womb.
• Stress and illness of a woman during the period of bearing a baby, severe toxicosis.
• Hypertonia can provoke various complications that occur during childbirth, or a cesarean section.
• Failure to comply with the recommendations of doctors during pregnancy.

But do not despair, this situation is quite amenable to treatment if you start it on time.

Hypertonia in children under one year old

Upon reaching the age of six months, almost all babies have symptoms of hypertension. But if by this age the tension in the muscles is still preserved, a consultation with a pediatric neurologist is necessary.

The following signs should be an alarming signal for attentive parents:

• The child sleeps poorly and little.
• In the supine position, the child takes his head back, and presses his arms and legs.
• Attempts to spread the arms or legs of the child to the sides cause crying. At the same time, strong resistance is felt in the muscles.
• If you hold the baby in an upright position, he tries to stand on tiptoes, and not on a full foot.
• Crying, the child takes his head back and arches his back.
• The baby often regurgitates.
• He reacts by crying to light or loud sound.

All of these symptoms indicate damage to areas of the brain that are responsible for muscle condition. This may indicate high intracranial pressure, high excitability, or other pathological conditions. If you do not take measures for timely treatment, then in the future the baby may have problems with coordination, he may develop an irregular 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 hypertonicity of muscles in a child

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

Usually, a massage course includes at least ten procedures. This will lead to a significant improvement in the condition of the child. In particular, thanks to massage, the motor skills of the baby are improved. It is very important that the massage does not give the child unpleasant sensations and emotions. Crying during the procedure will only provoke an increase in muscle tone.

Treatment of hypertonicity in children

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

• Within a month and a half, the child will need to deal with medical physical education... Parents should conduct such classes independently. In this case, it is important to take into account the condition of the baby during exercise. They should not make him feel bad and cry. Otherwise, the effect of the exercise will be exactly the opposite.
• It is necessary to make the baby relaxing baths with soothing herbs. Lavender, mint, and valerian act best on young children.
• The child will definitely be prescribed a course of special vitamins and amino acids.
• Physiological procedures have a very good effect on hypertonicity.

All prescribed measures must be carried out systematically. Only in this case it will 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 the start of treatment in this way, the effect is not positive, then the doctor prescribes more radical measures - drug treatment.