Hypertonia in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Tumors in the brain or other neurodevelopmental anomalies could be a causative factor.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tashawna Stokes, MD Dr. Tashawna Stokes Dr. Tashawna StokesMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on YouTube Specialty: PediatricsExperience: 10 years
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Pediatrician examining a baby for hypertonia

Image: ShutterStock

Hypertonia in babies is a medical condition where high muscle tone or hypertonicity of muscle leads to muscle stiffness, leading to difficulty in limb movement. Usually, the central nervous system (CNS) regulates muscle tone by sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the muscles. If certain regions of the brain or spinal cord (the CNS) that control muscle tones are damaged, they cause hypertonia.

Some babies can have transient hypertonia that resolves in a short time, while a few may have persistent hypertonia that may stay for a lifetime. Hypertonia has less occurrence in babies than hypotonia (floppy baby syndrome) which affects a newborns motor skills.

Read on as we give you a brief overview of the causes, signs, risk factors, and treatment for hypertonia in babies.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Excessive muscle tone causing stiffness of the limbs is termed hypertonia.
  • Some babies can have transitory or short-lived hypertonia, whereas others may have permanent hypertonia.
  • Disruption of the nerve pathways that control the muscles due to damage to the central nervous system (CNS) is its main cause.
  • Prompt diagnosis is essential to determine the precise cause and initiate the treatment to manage the condition.

Causes Of Hypertonia In Babies

The nerve pathways are disrupted due to damage to the central nervous system.

Image: Shutterstock

Muscle tone is a muscle’s resistance to stretch. The muscle tone is regulated by the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) through nerve signals that contract and relax the muscle. In hypertonia, the nerve pathways that control the muscle are disrupted due to damage to the central nervous system (CNS).

The following conditions and factors may lead to CNS damage (1).

  • Brain tumors
  • Head injuries
  • Stroke
  • Neurotoxins
  • Neurodevelopmental anomalies, such as cerebral palsyiA set of disorders affecting a person's ability to move, balance, and maintain proper postures
  • Neurodegenerative diseasesiA group of conditions caused by the disintegration of neurons, which impairs the proper functioning of the brain and the body

Babies who develop hypertonia after a fall or blow to the head should be taken to emergency care. Some of these conditions may also cause hypotonia in babies (low infant muscle tone) or floppy baby syndrome. Consult a doctor to determine the precise underlying cause.

protip_icon Quick fact
Hypertonia may occur in babies with metabolic diseases, such as kernicterusiA neurological condition marked by high levels of bilirubin in a baby's blood, often due to jaundice , maple syrup diseaseiA rare inherited disorder in which the body cannot break down amino acids leading to movement and neurological problems , or serine deficiencyiA series of neurological disorders caused due to a defect in the synthesis of serine (an amino acid) (1).

Signs And Symptoms Of Hypertonia

The baby has reduced range of motion. "

Image: Shutterstock

Hypertonia signs and symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the damage and the part of the brain or spinal cord affected. Sometimes, a baby’s muscle tone may be high on both sides of the body, while a few may have it on one side.

Common signs and symptoms seen in hypertonia in babies include the following (2).

  • Reduced range of motion
  • Stiff or rigid muscles
  • Body deformity
  • Awkward muscle contractions
  • Frozen or fixed joints
  • Developmental delays such as inability to walk or stand as peers
  • Involuntarily crossing of the legs

Brittany Frost, a mom and vlogger, shares the signs her daughter Lennon showed that eventually led to her hypertonia diagnosis. She says, “One of the first things we noticed was that her legs were stiff. She wasn’t bending them when we would hold her and feed her…Another thing is her jaw and her arms both shake, kind of like what you do when you’re cold and shiver…And then a new symptom she has is she’s not jumping or bouncing in any bouncer that we have…The physical therapist thinks that has something to do with her hypertonia and said something about her needing assistance with climbing stairs when she’s older (i).”

In another vlog, Frost shares these updates about Lennon, “ Lennon’s first MRI came back normal, but she was still very stiff, so we took her to another neurologist, and they had us go for a second MRI to check her spine to see if she had a tethered cord and that MRI also came back normal. The neurologists suggested using muscle relaxants and additional physical therapy. However, she did not need any additional muscle relaxants and walks and runs like a normal toddler now. She is very strong and not extremely tight anymore, and she moves around like any other toddler (ii).

According to the affected area of the brain, hypertonia can be spastic or rigid. Spasticity causes higher reflex responses and increased muscle spasms. Rigidity causes excessive stiffness of the muscles. 

Diagnosis Of Hypertonia

Blood tests and CSF analysis help identify infections and determine neurotransmitter levels.

Image: Shutterstock

History of symptoms and physical examination can be enough to identify the presence of hypertonia in babies. Additional tests, such as blood tests, CSF analysisiA diagnostic method used to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of any diseases concerning the brain and spinal cord , and imaging tests (MRI scans), are ordered to look for brain anomalies (1).

Blood tests and CSF analysis help identify infections and determine neurotransmittersiChemical messengers in the brain that send signals throughout the body to carry out its vital functions levels. Specific tumor markers and toxins can also be determined from blood tests. Neuroimaging helps visualize structural anomalies and intracranial hemorrhagesiBleeding within the brain tissue often caused due to trauma or accidents, leading to emergency conditions such as stroke that often occur after head injuries.

Treatment For Hypertonia In Babies

Baclofen is prescribed as a first-line treatment.

Image: Shutterstock

The treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause. The following treatments could be prescribed for babies (1) (3).

  • Baclofen, a muscle relaxer and an antispasmodiciMedications that reduce spasms, cramps, and intense pain drug, is prescribed as a first-line treatment for babies with brain anomalies.
  • Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are also used in initial treatment for hypertonia due to brain problems.
  • Vitamins are often prescribed for babies with seizures.
  • Levodopa, a type of amino acid, is given to babies with CNS-related causes but with no abnormalities seen in neuroimaging tests.
  • Carbamazepine and phenytoin are prescribed for peripheral nervous system-related causes of hypertonia.
  • Botox (botulinum toxin) injections could be given to relax hypertonic muscles.
  • Physiotherapy could be conducted, often in conjunction with other treatments, to improve muscle tone.

If hypertonia is a result of another condition, it could also be treated simultaneously.

protip_icon Point to consider
Pain or distress may worsen central hypertonia. Thus, other causes of pain, such as acid reflux, or constipation, need simultaneous attention (1).

Prognosis Of Hypertonia In Babies

The outcome may vary based on the severity of hypertonia and the underlying cause. Hypertonia with cerebral palsy may often stay without change over a lifetime. In some cases, the hypertonia may worsen as the underlying condition worsens over time (4).

Mild hypertonia may cause no effect as the baby grows older. In contrast, moderate hypertonia may increase the risk of abnormal joint contractions, which increase the risk of falls. Severe hypertonia could increase the risk of several complications, such as fractures, bedsores, infections, and severe immobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do babies outgrow hypertonia?

No, babies will not outgrow hypertonia. It is a lifelong condition that needs long-term treatment, which can help the child feel better (5).

2. Is hypertonia always with cerebral palsy?

No, apart from cerebral palsy, hypertonia may also be related to other conditions such as multiple sclerosisiA chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and loss of balance or Parkinson’s diseaseiA progressive neurological disorder that may present with symptoms such as tremors, muscle, and whole-body weakness (5).

3. Is there any research being done to better understand hypertonia in babies?

Yes, research is ongoing to better understand the dynamics of hypertonia in babies. Researchers are actively investigating the potential causes, diagnostic methods, treatment interventions, and long-term outcomes associated with the condition. Their research aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and develop effective treatments that can improve the condition’s prognosis.

4. Is hypertonia in babies hereditary?

Hypotonia, in some cases, is associated with genetic conditions, such as cerebral palsy, that can be hereditary.

Hypertonia in babies is characterized by excessive muscle stiffness leading to problems with movement. It can be caused by problems with the central nervous system due to tumors, injuries, blows, trauma, and some diseases. Hypertonia can be unilateral or bilateral, and the symptoms and severity may depend on the area of the brain involved. The doctor may diagnose the condition with a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. Physical and occupational therapy over a prolonged period can improve the condition and promote motor development and help them perform activities like their peers.

Infographic: Maternal And Fetal Events Leading To Neonatal Hypertonia

Various maternal and fetal risk factors may be involved in accelerating the occurrence of hypertonia in babies. The infographic below helps you identify such risk factors so that you may take timely precautions.

risk factors for hypertonia in babies (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Baby hypertonia symptoms;
https://youtu.be/mHBbslKu5GA?feature=sharedii. UPDATE – Lennon Hypertonia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wkUGYXvYhI

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Neonatal hypertonia – a diagnostic challenge; Wiley Online Library
2. Hypertonia; Physio UK
3. Hypertonia; Intermountain Healthcare
4. Hypertonia; Child Neurology Foundation
5. Hypertonia in Babies; Cleveland Clinic

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Dr. Tashawna Stokes
Dr. Tashawna StokesMD
Dr. TaShawna Stokes is a mom to two beautiful daughters and currently practices in the Atlanta area. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Auburn University and The University of South Alabama. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Read full bio of Dr. Tashawna Stokes
Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

Read full bio of Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny
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