INFANTILE HYPERTONIA Meaning and
Definition
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Infantile Hypertonia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally increased muscle tone or stiffness in infants. When an infant experiences hypertonia, their muscles show resistance to stretch and are constantly contracted, resulting in limited movement and flexibility. This condition primarily affects the muscles of the limbs, trunk, and neck.
Infantile hypertonia can manifest in different ways, including increased muscle tone that restricts joint movement, spasticity (excessive muscle contractions), or rigidity (inflexible muscles). These symptoms can make it challenging for affected infants to achieve normal motor milestones, such as rolling over, crawling, and walking. The severity of infantile hypertonia can vary widely, with some infants experiencing only mild muscle stiffness, while others may have severe muscular rigidity that significantly impairs their daily activities.
The causes of infantile hypertonia are diverse and can include genetic disorders, brain malformations, cerebral palsy, certain metabolic or muscle diseases, or damage to the central nervous system. Proper diagnosis and evaluation by a medical professional are crucial to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for infantile hypertonia aims to manage symptoms and improve the individual's motor function. It may involve a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, stretching exercises, assistive devices (e.g., braces or splints), and medications to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms. Early intervention is particularly crucial as it can mitigate the long-term impact of hypertonia and promote better motor development and quality of life.
Common Misspellings for INFANTILE HYPERTONIA
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Etymology of INFANTILE HYPERTONIA
The word "infantile" originated from the Latin word "infans", meaning "young child" or "baby". It evolved into the Old French word "enfant", which eventually entered the English language as "infant".
"Hypertonia" is composed of two Greek words. "Hyper" means "excessive" or "above normal", while "tonos" means "tension" or "tone". Together, "hypertonia" refers to increased muscle tone or stiffness.
Therefore, "infantile hypertonia" is a medical term combining the Latin word for "young child" with the Greek term for "increased muscle tone", referring to a condition characterized by excessive muscle tension in infants.
