Evaluation of the floppy infant. Issue 11 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartley, Louise; Ranjan, Rajesh
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics and child health. Volume 25:Issue 11(2015)
• Page Start: 498
• Page End: 504
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: CNS and lower motor unit -- floppy infant -- floppy strong -- floppy weak; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paed.2015.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7222

Abstract

Abstract: The floppy infant represents a diagnostic challenge to paediatricians. Tone is the resistance to movement in a muscle and "floppy" is the term used for hypotonia, which is the feeling of reduced resistance of muscles to passive stretching. Hypotonia can arise from a wide range of disorders, from abnormalities of the central nervous system (CNS), any element of the peripheral neuromuscular system (the lower motor unit, LMN), or both. Establishing a diagnosis in the hypotonic infant is crucial for prognosis, management, treatment strategies and genetic counselling. The list of conditions to consider is increasingly complex and ever-growing, and a careful and thorough diagnostic approach is essential. This review will take you through the evaluation of the floppy infant, illustrated with two cases.