Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy

Fact Checked

Hypertonia in cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle tone that is higher than normal. It is associated with spasticity and spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy. Physical therapy, medications, and surgery are common treatments for hypertonic cerebral palsy.

What Is Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?

Hypertonic cerebral palsy is characterized by overly toned muscles. This makes muscles stiff, tight, and difficult to control.[1]

Hypertonia is associated with spastic cerebral palsy, which is the most common type of cerebral palsy. It causes difficulty walking and controlling the body’s movements.

What Causes Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?

Several different events can cause or contribute to the development of hypertonic cerebral palsy, including:[2]

• Maternal or neonatal infections
• Preeclampsia or maternal hypertension
• Extreme prematurity and low birth weight
• Fetal or neonatal stroke
• Difficult and prolonged labor and delivery
• Medical mistakes and negligence, such as failing to carry out an emergency C-section when indicated, failing to address maternal medical conditions or infections
• Certain medications or illicit drugs taken during pregnancy

Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Not every child will exhibit the same signs and symptoms of hypertonic cerebral palsy, but in general, the most common symptoms include:[3]

• Movements that are difficult to control
• Stiff, rigid muscles
• Widened gait, scissor-like walking

Some children may have associated conditions such as:

• Seizures
• Speech/swallowing problems
• Scoliosis
• Joint contractures
• Learning or cognitive disabilities
• Constipation or bladder incontinence
• Respiratory difficulties
• Hearing loss or vision problems

How Is Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Treated?

Treatment for hypertonic cerebral palsy varies and depends on a child’s unique disabilities and needs. The earlier the treatments begin, the better the results will be for the child.

Physical therapy is highly recommended for children with hypertonic cerebral palsy. Therapists can create a customized program for your child to help with balance, coordination, and muscle lengthening and strengthening.

In addition, occupational and speech and language therapy may address specific issues and assist with function.

Many children with hypertonic cerebral palsy take medications that help with muscle stiffness and rigidness, as well as other symptoms associated with the condition.

The most commonly prescribed medications include:

• Baclofen or other muscle relaxants
• Sleep enhancers
• Behavior-related medicines
• Anticonvulsants
• Gastric reflux or constipation aids
• Respiratory medicines

For severe cases of muscle stiffness and rigidity, surgery may be a treatment option, but usually after other treatments haven’t been adequate. Surgery corrects secondary problems resulting from hypertonia and spastic cerebral palsy.[4]

Procedures for tendon-lengthening, repair of scoliosis, or joint contractures can significantly impact your child’s ability to function independently and comfortably.

Your physician can provide information on surgical options, including which type will work best for your child’s individualized needs.

What Is the Prognosis for Children with Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy?

As with all forms of cerebral palsy, the long-term prognosis of children with hypertonic cerebral palsy will depend on how severe the disorder is, in addition to how well the child responds to treatment.

However, most children will live productive lives, especially when an individualized treatment plan is in place. Although your child will live with cerebral palsy indefinitely, today’s treatment modalities aim to keep symptoms and pain under control.

Remember, if you have any questions or concerns regarding hypertonic cerebral palsy, reach out to your child’s physician.