Hypotonia related to Down syndrome


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Hypotonia related to Down syndrome


Hypotonia is a state of reduced muscle tone or weakness, usually related to the skeletal muscles. Hypotonia ranges from mild to severe in people with Down syndrome, although muscles tend to strengthen with age. Young children with Down syndrome often have hypotonia throughout their whole body.

Babies with Down syndrome often have delays in reaching physical developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking. Constipation may also frequently occur, caused by weak intestinal muscles that move stools more slowly through the digestive tract.

Credits


Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated August 9, 2007

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Last updated: August 09, 2007
Author: Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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