What is Hypertonicity?

Hypertonicity is an increased tension of the muscles, meaning the muscle tone is abnormally rigid, hampering proper movement. This condition is the opposite of hypotonicity. Hypotonicity is a decreased tension in muscle tone. A lack of muscle tone inhibits proper movement as the muscle is not developed or is too soft to support the body. Neonatal or congenital hypotonia is fairly common and causal factors include infections, effects of drugs, brain hemorrhage, or chromosomal or cerebral pathologies. An infant diagnosed with generalized hypotonia has abnormally decreased muscle tone affecting posture for at least the first month of life. Neonatal or congenital hypertonia, on the other hand, is usually a result of severe brain damage. Infants experiencing hypertonicity often have joint contractures and general discomfort as well as difficulty feeding. Neonatal hypertonicity is managed with neurodevelopmental techniques in the positioning and handling of the infant. The presence of ...  more