Hypertonia - 6 Month Old Preemie

Updated on May 05, 2009
A.B. asks from Somerset, MA
7 answers

Hi,

Has anyone had experience with their child having hypertonia (overtoned muscles, stiffness)? My friend has a 6 month old who we are worried about. She's getting physical therapy next week, but we're worried after reading a lot online about it being a sign of cerebral palsy. any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. thanks :) the baby's name is sophia.

A.

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A.Y.

answers from Boston on

First Cerebral Palsy is not the end of the world. Please let you friend know, I know many adults with it and they do just fine. My daughter was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy at about a year, even though there were obvious delays from birth. Get the physical therapy, and just keep your eyes open. Ask questions, there are varying degress of CP, I don't know what you have read but my daughter is a happy healthy 6 year old who goes to kindergarten in the public schools, is extremely social but isn't able to walk independently (yet). It is ongoing. But there is no reason to be doom and gloom. I love my daughter and wouldn't have her any other way, it is incredible how strong she is and capable of adapting activities to fit what she can do. She is independent, smart, and fun! Please don't let it get you down, I know that in the beginning it is hard, we all have hopes for how our children will grow up, and what they will do in life. There is no reason that Sophia can't grow up and be a happy and healthy adult. Sorry, I just hope this helps put you and your friends mind at ease. If you have questions you can send me a message.

A.
www.southernnhfamilyfun.com

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Portland on

I know nothing about hypertonia.
Being disabled I do know about being in and out of hospitals for most of my life and words like perhaps, and maybe, and possibly.
The very worst thing you Mums can to to yourselves is to think.
If your child has a medical problem, do NOT think.
Deal with what you know and what you know only or you will drive yourselves into a breakdown.
Do not project, do not anticipate, only deal with the information you have.
As with this child...she has some muscle problems. She is going to see a therapist.
Until there is more definate opinions this is all her mum knows.
Dont throw labels and possibilities around...it is simply to difficult to deal with when there is something wrong with a child which probably makes the child more difficult to take care of to begin with.
It is a great temptation to "get online" and research horrible , incurable, deteriorating conditions.
Unless there is a real basis for doing this research, like no concrete answers from docs and tests, persistant or worsening symptoms, stay away from online.
Could even call it masochistic to research, yes?
And you know, a day at a time you can usually deal with problems quite nicely.
A day at a time.

Best wishes and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Boston on

A.,

First of all, thank you for being a concerned, supportive friend. Any neurologic diagnosis should only be made by a pediatric neurologist. If there is true cause for concern, and there may be if the referral has been made to PT, then the family needs to consult with a neurologist. If the pedi won’t refer, change pediatricians. Even without a definitive diagnosis, start the PT. As a PT, a diagnosis is needed to develop realistic goals, but treatment can certainly begin as we treat the physical manifestations of the condition and not the condition itself (that's the role of the MD). However a diagnosis will be necessary to ensure full access to any services needed. If it is Cerebral Palsy, one of the other Moms said it best, there is an EXTREMELY (I can’t emphasize that enough) broad range of physical manifestations. I am a Physical Therapist and work with adults with CP quite regularly. It is by no means a diagnosis of condemnation, but it is a diagnosis that requires some grieving on the part of the parents. When any of us are faced with a complication with our children, whether it be physical, cognitive or social, we all must grieve for the loss of the idealized image that we have formed in our minds. Remember, children and people are REMARKABLE and rise to the challenges placed before them. If there truly is a neurologic diagnosis, the children with supportive but not overbearing families who regularly challenge them, are the ones who thrive the best. Please don’t overly research CP or any other diagnosis. The web is full of great info but not all of it is accurate. Take it one day at a time and deal with the issue at hand. Best of luck to Sophia and her family.

S.

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

my son zachary was a preemie he was born five pounds one ounce and he was eighteen inches long but he wasn't Hypertonia though he was a good baby though when he came home he four pounds thirteen ounces and he was a good baby i am a stay home mom too A. B my e-mail address is ____@____.com you can send me e-mails there A. B ok from your friend R..

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J.H.

answers from Boston on

Hi A.
Our nutrition (reliv) has had great results with CP and other muscular abnormalities. It is safe effective and cannot hurt even a 6 month old.
Happy to get you or your friend in touch with those who have had results.
Good luck and thanks for trying to help your friend.
That's what it's all about.
J. H

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H.S.

answers from Boston on

I feel sorry that your friend does not get the answers from her pediatrician. He/she is the one who should be able to explain things. The internet is great, but in cases like these, it can be a curse.
Your friend should talk to her pediatrician, and then go to a specialist or get a second opinion. The PT person probably will be able to answer things as well.

Good luck to Sophia, hopefully it will be nothing, H.

D.B.

answers from Boston on

I agree with Joanne. Reliv has a nationwide network of people who have had similar problems and will talk with you. The products are completely safe (as a prenatal even, and for preemies, all the way up to the elderly), the lead scientist is a world-renowned expert in pediatric nutrition. It won't conflict with anything medical that they try. Be careful about finding all your info on line - the internet is a lot like the supermarket check-out with all those magazines - some stories are legitimate and others are just hype or total fiction, and there is no easy way for sorting them out. Go with the experience of real people. It's great that you are helping your friend sort this out - she can use someone to help filter the info.

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