Any baby comes into this world with its own physiological characteristics, one of which is the tense state of its muscles, called tone.

Why is the tone not normal?

The newborn maintains the position in which it was in the mother’s belly: fists are clenched, arms and legs are bent at the elbow joints, the head is slightly thrown back, the arms are pressed to the chest, and the legs are slightly spread. He's constantly moving, but never straightens them completely.

Its flexor muscles are still noticeably more active and tense than their antagonists, and this is an absolute physiological norm.
Another indicator of the norm is the symmetry of this tone on the left and right sides.

Usually, such tension gradually goes away on its own: the fists relax, the fingers open, the baby begins to move more freely, the tension in the flexors and extensors becomes harmonious and balanced, and excess tone almost completely disappears by six months. But, unfortunately, this does not always happen.

The causes of tone abnormalities in newborns are often associated with the fact that the child, while in the mother’s stomach, for various reasons, does not receive enough oxygen () or vitamins (especially group B).

• Mother’s illnesses, stress, and severe toxicosis also affect the baby’s tone.
• Perhaps this is a consequence of a complicated birth, cesarean section.
• Even the mother’s compliance with all the instructions during pregnancy is not always insurance against disturbances in infant tone.

But, as a rule, the situation is fixable, and deviations identified in time can be safely eliminated.

5 reasons to be wary

It often happens that there is a violation of the normal tone of the baby’s muscles, in which their tension is so strong that it leads to spasm. All this is associated with an imbalance in nervous regulation and indicates disruption of the brain.

1. The baby does not sleep well, cries a lot and for a long time even in his mother’s arms, while his chin trembles.
2. He eats little and poorly, often feeding ends.
3. In a dream, the arms and legs are convulsively tucked in, the head is thrown back.
4. I “learned” to hold my head up to 1 month (muscle spasm of the back of the head and neck).
5. He is overly constrained in his movements and reacts by crying to an attempt to move his arms and legs away from the body.

How to detect the presence of hypertension?

At the slightest sign of hypertension, you should consult a doctor for advice.

You can also try to carry out the well-known test by picking up the baby in your arms and lowering his legs onto a horizontal support.

If his legs stand on their entire feet, the tone is normal.

Manifestations of hypertonicity will not allow the feet to relax, and the child will persistently rise on his toes.

Another check for normal tone is to keep the baby on his stomach. In a baby with normal tone, the body will gradually straighten up.

Only specialists - a pediatrician and a neurologist - can more accurately identify the presence of hypertonicity. If you have the slightest suspicion of tone disorders, you should visit the clinic with your baby and tell the doctor about the alarming points.

To visit specialists, it is optimal to choose a time when the baby has slept and is not hungry, so that the examination takes place in as calm an environment as possible, because, especially in the first months, the line between normality and deviation is extremely thin.

It is necessary to treat

There is no need to heed the advice of “those who know and are experienced” that “everything will pass on its own, it will grow out” and that “everyone is like this, and there is nothing special.”

Hypertonicity must be removed - otherwise your child will later straighten his fingers, learn to grasp objects and manipulate them, if hypertonicity is in the arm muscles; later he will stand on his feet even if his legs are in spasms. As a result, he will noticeably lag behind in development, suffer from a lack of coordination, posture, and possible clubfoot.

In addition, hypertension has a very dangerous companion - impaired blood circulation in some parts of the brain, which, being untreated since childhood, will subsequently begin to remind itself of itself with constant and painful headaches.

Therefore, be sure to undergo all the examinations assigned to you, which will probably include an ultrasound examination of the baby’s brain through the “fontanelle” that has not yet closed. It will allow specialists to identify possible pathologies and prescribe adequate treatment, which is most effective before the age of one.

Returning tone to normal

The treatment prescribed by specialists will certainly be comprehensive. Usually, these babies are prescribed the most gentle and gentle medications to improve blood circulation and metabolic processes in the brain, and even then only in the presence of serious pathologies.

Electrophoresis is often prescribed as a physical procedure for such children.

Massage

Massage is the best way to bring a child’s muscle tone back to normal.

The main means in the fight to normalize muscle tone will be a relaxing massage, the correct, competent and regular implementation of which always gives a noticeable neurological result.

It is usually recommended to entrust the baby to the experienced hands of a specialist after one and a half months of age.

You need to do this massage for 10 days every day for 20-30 minutes with three-month breaks.

And everything else is the work of mother’s caring and familiar hands for the baby.

6 rules for home massage

1. massage should not be performed immediately after eating;
2. the temperature in the room where massage treatments are planned should be comfortable - 22-24°C;
3. mother’s hands should be clean and warm;
4. any sharp pressing or tapping that can further excite is contraindicated for children with hypertonicity;
5. start and end the massage with light stroking of the legs, arms, tummy and back;
6. During the procedure, talk kindly to the child - this will enhance the positive effect.

We treat with affection

Mom’s daily gentle and calm touches, stroking the baby’s tense arms, legs and back, and quiet voice calm and relax the little one even better than the influence of a professional massage therapist. For babies under one month old, only stroking and gentle shaking of the arms and legs are recommended.

Be sure to pay attention to each finger on the arms and legs, draw “figure eights” on the heels, stroke the arms from the toes to the shoulders, and the legs from the feet to the groin area. Avoid pressing and active impact on the joints!

We lightly stroke the tummy clockwise, stroke the back on the left and right sides along the spine. In addition to normalizing tone, such a massage will improve blood circulation, lymph flow, and will contribute to the baby’s awareness of his own body and the harmonious development of all body systems.

Healing baths

All kinds of water procedures have a beneficial effect on the baby’s entire nervous system, helping to normalize muscle tone

Another way to help your baby’s muscles return to normal is everyone’s favorite bath.

Movement in warm water relaxes, relieves tension and soothes.

For hypertonicity, it is useful to add decoctions of medicinal herbs to the baths - motherwort, lavender, eucalyptus, oregano - in the absence of allergies, of course.

Special soothing salts for children's baths are good.

The main thing is don’t teach your baby to dive yet, because For a baby, diving headlong under water is stressful, which can only increase the symptoms of hypertension.

Make sure that your baby enjoys all your manipulations, as positive emotions will certainly speed up the results.

Paraffin wraps

Often, in combination with massage courses, doctors prescribe paraffin wraps for children.

The procedure consists of wrapping gauze with melted warm paraffin around the baby’s arms or legs in a state of maximum extension, covering the top with film and again with gauze.

This “warming up” lasts 15-20 minutes, is done in a course (8-10 days each) and gives a noticeable effect of relaxing tense muscles.

Such procedures are now done in clinics, but mothers can learn how to do this themselves.

To do this, lay a diaper on a small fitball (smooth, without pimples and horns), on which the child is placed with his tummy and, holding him, slowly begin rocking in different directions.

At the same time, all muscle groups of the baby work to maintain balance. In the process of rocking, arms and legs are lowered onto a flat surface, encouraging the baby to lean on them and activating the activity of the extensor muscles.

You can also stomp and slap the ball alternately with your feet and palms, like hitting a drum, which usually amuses the child and relieves muscle hypertonicity well.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy (in the absence of allergies) will be a good addition to the treatment complex. Soothing oils of lavender and eucalyptus, applied to the aroma lamp in the evening, have a beneficial effect on the baby, helping him to relax and improving the functioning of the nervous system.

In addition, sufficient time in the fresh air is important for relieving stress, which has been proven to make both the child and the mother calmer.

Summing up

The first year of a baby’s life is perhaps the most alarming for mothers. But don’t be tense or scared if a neurologist and therapist have diagnosed you with “hypertonicity.” Act calmly, confidently and clearly, find a neurologist in whom you are confident, follow all doctor's instructions.

Massage, baths, gentle tactile contact, breastfeeding, fresh air, aromatherapy, a lot of love and patience - and your diagnosis will forever remain in the past.

Why you can’t leave muscle hypertonicity in a baby unattended, what the dangers of this condition are and how to bring the tone back to normal, learn from the video.

A child is born with physiologically increased muscle tone. Therefore, in the first weeks, he assumes an intrauterine position, bending his limbs and bringing them towards the body. This condition is natural, does not cause any inconvenience to the baby and gradually passes.

But it happens that the muscles of a newborn are constantly overly tense, and this affects the child’s well-being and behavior. This condition is called hypertonicity. It is most often detected during a routine examination by a pediatrician or neurologist. Drug treatment and massage for newborns with hypertonicity are usually prescribed, often supplemented by physiotherapy.

Causes and manifestations of hypertension

Pathology in an infant can be a consequence of various conditions:

• consequences of intrauterine hypoxia (lack of oxygen) due to maternal illness or pathological pregnancy;
• infections suffered in utero;
• consequences of chronic poisoning of the fetus when a pregnant woman smokes or drinks alcohol, or takes certain medications;
• pathological jaundice of newborns - for example, with hemolytic disease after Rh-conflict pregnancy;
• consequences of birth injuries during natural childbirth or caesarean section.

Hypertonicity is a neurological pathology. It can be unilateral or bilateral, and may be a symptom of problems at the cervical level or in the brain.

A baby with muscle hypertonicity is usually restless, easily excited, and when crying his chin and splayed fingers may tremble. Mom may notice that it is difficult for her to spread the baby’s legs when changing a diaper, and it is difficult to straighten her fists to trim nails. With asymmetrical tone, a different range of movements in the limbs is visible, the head may turn to one side. When lying down, the child throws his head back. And when trying reflex walking, he rests on his toes, and not on his entire foot.

A child with hypertonicity usually pleases his parents with his early achievements. He begins to hold his head earlier than his peers, already in the first month of life he can accidentally roll over from his stomach to his side, and with chaotic movements he sometimes even crawls a short distance along the changing table.

If signs of hypertonicity are detected, the doctor will give recommendations, which must include a relaxing massage.

Preparing for a massage

Therapeutic massage for a newborn with hypertension is usually carried out in several courses by an experienced massage therapist. But a mother can do a simple massage every day on her own, gradually improving her child’s condition.

The key to the success of a relaxing massage at home is the baby's calm state. After all, when crying, muscles tense, which means there is no question of any relaxation. Therefore, massage should be carried out when the child is full, complacent and does not want to sleep.

A changing table, a regular table with a blanket, or another flat surface is suitable for massage. The room should be at a comfortable temperature. If the massage is performed with music, it is better not to use the radio, so as not to frighten the child when the volume suddenly changes or advertisements are turned on. Recording pleasant melodies and sounds of nature is suitable.

Before the massage, an adult must wash and warm their hands, remove rings and bracelets. You can lubricate your hands with a small amount of sterile oil or baby cream, but this is not necessary.

Massage technique

Massage for newborns with hypertonicity includes a general relaxing effect and methods for relieving tension in individual flexor muscles. Massage movements consist of stroking, piston rubbing, squeezing, shaking. They do not cause discomfort to the child and at the same time help reduce tone. Do not tap, vibrate, pat, or saw-cut rubbing.

1. Begin the session by placing the child on his back. At the beginning of the massage, smooth warming general strokes are carried out on the arms, legs, and torso. Such movements are not jerky, directed along the axis of the body, cover several areas at once and resemble the actions when rubbing cosmetics.
2. Gradually increasing the pressure, you can add upward diagonal movements on the hips and shoulders. This will allow you to better warm up large muscle groups. In this case, it is impossible to influence the front and side of the neck, inguinal folds and inner thighs, armpits, popliteal fossa area and patellas.
3. After turning the baby onto his stomach, you need to stroke his back. Only a specialist can massage the neck muscles; you should not do it yourself!
4. After this, you can begin the “rocker” and “cradle” exercises. Bringing her hands alternately under the upper back or under the pelvis, the mother gently rocks the baby, as if in a cradle. And for the “rocker” you need to securely grab the child by the armpits and swing from side to side. These are general relaxation methods.
5. The next stage is a massage of the limbs. They usually start with the handles. The fists are extended, each finger is rubbed towards the palm, as if putting on gloves. Rub the palm and the base of the thumb separately in a circular motion.
6. The forearm can be massaged using piston movements, holding the handle as if in a ring and moving back and forth. They can be alternated with compressions, in which moderate circular compression of the limb is performed. All joints are also gently flexed and extended. In this case, you should not make sudden or strong movements.
7. The massage is completed with soft stroking and shaking. To do this, lift the handle by the palm and, holding the area of ​​the wrist joint, shake it gently. Sudden sweeping movements in the joints should not be allowed; the amplitude of shaking should be small.

According to the same plan, a leg massage is carried out, rising from the feet to the hips. They draw a figure eight on the sole, and rub the outer arch of the foot and toes well. To shake, hold the leg by the heel, gently fixing the ankle.

Often, at an appointment with a pediatrician, parents ask a question about muscle tone, what kind of condition it is and whether it is dangerous. In fact, muscle tone is always present in a person, maintaining a given body position and helping to carry out movements. However, the muscle tone of both the baby and the adult must be physiological, that is, correct.

Where does tone come from and what is it for?

The very first movements of the child, even in the womb, occur due to the muscular-articular sense and muscle contraction, with the help of which the child can feel his position in space. After birth, muscle tone and movement enable the child to develop both physically and mentally. The baby learns to make its first movements - hold its head, reach for toys, roll over from side to side and from stomach to back, then sit down, crawl, stand up and walk. Adequate muscle tone is necessary for the timely implementation of these skills. This concept refers to the minimum tension in the skeletal muscles maintained by the body in a state of complete rest. The fact is that even if the child is completely relaxed, his muscles must still be in a certain tense state - in good shape, due to this, posture is achieved, maintaining health and performing movements. Not all muscles are equally tense; there are relaxed groups and some tense ones, depending on the task being performed and the load.

For children, there is a certain dependence of muscle tone on age (the smaller the baby, the more pronounced the tone), which determines the characteristic features of newborns and babies in the first months of life.

The peculiarities of tone are due to the fact that the baby spends the first 9 months of life in the cramped uterus, where his limbs and the whole body are located as compactly as possible, and the baby has practically no opportunity to actively move his body at the time of birth. All his muscles are in a state of tension. Therefore, most muscle groups of a newborn at the time of birth are in a state of physiological hypertonicity. Moreover, there is a peculiarity in the distribution of tone among muscle groups - in the flexors it is higher than in the extensors, so the child’s arms and legs are brought towards the body, but the head is usually slightly thrown back. In addition, the tone in the adductor muscles of the thighs predominates. Therefore, when spreading the baby’s legs, muscle resistance may be felt, and the spreading of the legs is normally possible at approximately a 45-degree angle for each leg, which generally forms a right angle between the hips.

Muscle hypertonicity is maintained symmetrically until about 3-4 months, and then it gradually decreases - first, the tone in the flexor muscle group decreases, until about 5-6 months. And then the tone of all muscle groups decreases evenly. By the age of one and a half to two years, the child’s muscle tone should become approximately the same as that of an adult.

For inspection

The first features of muscle tone can be noted by visually assessing the baby’s posture at rest (for example, when he is sleeping) and the degree of work of individual muscle groups during movement. The doctor will definitely ask how the baby was born, since the method of birth (natural or CS) and the presentation of the baby (how it was located in the uterus) greatly influences its position in the first months after birth. If he was born in a breech position, his head may be tilted back due to the tone of the neck muscles. If he was born in a breech position, his legs will be straightened. In most babies, due to physiological tone, a characteristic fetal position is observed, which is well defined at rest or during sleep. The baby's arms are bent at all joints and brought to the chest, the palms are clenched into fists, and the thumb is covered with the rest, the legs are brought to the tummy, bent at the joints, the hips are slightly apart, and the feet are raised up. Due to hypertonicity, the range of movements produced by the baby is limited - he can quite actively move his legs, bend or straighten them, push them off from an adult’s hand or cross them. But the range of movements of the handles is less - they mainly move at chest level, bending at the elbows and wrists, rarely unclenching their fists. Due to hypertonicity of the neck muscles, the head is slightly thrown back.

Muscle tone largely depends on the physical condition of the child, his constitution and the characteristics of the nervous system. When crying, worrying or screaming, the tone naturally increases. In addition, in excitable babies it will also differ from calmer peers due to a greater range of movements.

What if it’s not the norm?

Ideally, a neurologist should examine the baby in the maternity hospital in order to identify incipient abnormalities in time. However, the presence of physiological hypertonicity sometimes complicates the early diagnosis of many nervous diseases. Physiological hypertonicity should be considered up to 4-6 months; if the tone persists longer, this is a reason to contact a specialist - a pediatrician or neurologist.

But how to determine the tone? To do this, the doctor examines the child and checks his reflexes, because muscle tone characterizes not only the functioning of the nervous system, but also the general development of the child, both physical and mental. However, some serious violations, without going into details, can be identified in time by parents.

Today there are not many healthy mothers and babies. Violations of tone in a baby are affected by the course of pregnancy, placental insufficiency, stress and medication, the course of labor, benefits and stimulation of labor, cesarean section and the postpartum period. In addition, the nervous system and its various parts are actively developing after birth, so the baby needs to be carefully monitored, noting the time of formation of his basic skills.

If muscle tone disorders are not recognized in time, the child will begin to lag behind in physical, and therefore naturally in mental development, since his motor skills are closely related to the development of the cortex.

I offer a small diagnostic algorithm, based on which parents can notice violations in a timely manner and consult a doctor. Conventionally, in the first year there are five age intervals in which the baby must master certain skills; if he deviates from the given values, it would not be superfluous to consult a neurologist.

Period 0-1, is examined from birth to one month; when the baby is positioned on his back, he should have a “fetal position” with his arms pressed to the chest, arms bent, hands clenched into a fist, and thumbs hidden inside the fist. The legs are spread and bent at the knees, the left and right halves of the body are symmetrical, the head is positioned evenly, without deviating to the sides.

If you turn the baby on his stomach, he will turn his head to the side, placing his arms under his chest and bending his legs, imitating crawling movements. By the end of the month, the baby tries to lift and hold his head for a few seconds, placing it parallel to the line of the spine.

Period 1-3, is studied from one month to three months. When positioned on the back, the flexion of the arms is less pronounced than in the first period, but is still preserved. The baby can push them forward and move them to the sides, and can bring their hands to their eyes or mouth. closer to three months, he tries to reach for the toy, and when he puts it in his hand, he holds it tightly. The child tries to lift and hold his head. By turning it towards a source of sound or light. When pulling by the arms, he tries to pull himself towards the adult’s arms, holds his head, especially confidently by the end of the third month. In parallel with pulling up, flexion in the legs is observed.

When the baby is placed on his stomach, the baby lifts his head, holds it in this position for a long time, and actively turns his head in different directions. When raising the head, support is placed on the forearms, and the arms are slightly extended at the elbows. The legs perform crawling movements, bending at the hip and knee joints.

Period 3-6 months. Lying on his back, the baby opens his palms, arms and legs are bent. The baby can put his hands together, making “palms”, bring it to his mouth, feel the diaper, the toy, the parents, finger it, purposefully reach for the toy and grab it. If in the initial period he can grab objects in front of his chest, then by the end of the period he can also grab objects on the side of himself or in front of his face. The child groups his limbs, making his first attempts to sit up. When pulling by the arms, by the fifth month the baby holds his head and body in the same plane, his legs bend slightly. By six months, the chin is brought to the chest, and the legs are bent and pressed towards the stomach.

When positioned on the stomach, the child confidently holds his head, positioning it exactly along the line of the spine, confidently resting on his forearms, and his palms are open. By six months, the baby rests on his palms, rising on outstretched arms, and his legs are straightened, his back is straight. At approximately four months of age, the child makes attempts to roll over from his back to his sides, and by the end of the stage he can freely turn from his stomach to his back and back.

Period 6-9 months. On his back, the child actively moves, changing postures, turning over onto his stomach or back onto his back, sitting down on his own, and while sitting he learns to maintain balance, supporting the body with his arms. When pulled up by the arms, the baby groups its limbs, and by the end of 8-9 months, stands on its feet. It crawls on its belly on its belly, rising on all fours or sideways. Shifts the center of gravity from hand to hand, pulling up to grab a toy, and by the end of the period stands at the support.

Period 9-12 months. At the beginning of the period, he crawls well and confidently on all fours, stands up and walks at the support, can squat and stand at the support for toys, then learns to stand without support. By the end of the period, the child walks independently and forms a pincer grip with 2 fingers. He points to the toys and takes them.

Violation of tone

There are several types of disorders - hypertonicity, excessive muscle tension, hypotonicity, insufficient muscle tension and dystonia, isolated tension of various muscle groups.

Hypertonicity occurs as a result of various damage to the brain and nervous system - hemorrhages, birth injuries, hypoxia during childbirth, meningitis. In addition, hypertonicity occurs in overly excitable children.

Usually, the baby is stiff and tight, excessive body tension is observed, the child does not relax during sleep, the limbs are bent, the arms are pressed to the chest, the legs are pulled up to the stomach, the fists are tightly clenched, sometimes forming a “bullet.” From birth, head retention is noted due to hypertonicity of the neck muscles. Parents note increased child anxiety, poor sleep, frequent screams, and colic. Such babies experience tremors (chin trembling) in response to any minor stimulus or at rest, and they often regurgitate profusely. When studying reflexes, repeated extension of the legs or arms increases muscle tone, which immediately makes it possible to distinguish physiology from pathological hypertonicity. When the support reflex is evoked, a position on tiptoes occurs and the fingers are tucked in. When pulling by the arms, the child does not straighten his arms at all, raising his whole body completely. Hypertonicity can also manifest itself in the formation of torticollis, especially in response to a birth injury to the cervical spine - when assistance was provided during childbirth or a CS.

Hypertonicity reduces the rate of child development; such children later develop age-appropriate skills - crawling, sitting, walking.

Hypotonia or decreased muscle tone the opposite phenomenon occurs in babies less often, more often in premature babies or with brain pathologies, with endocrine diseases, infections. Diffuse muscle hypotonia may be a sign of intrauterine infection, severe birth trauma, intracranial hematomas, etc. In severe cases, swallowing, sucking and even breathing are impaired due to muscle weakness. If there is hypotonia of certain muscle groups or limbs, nerve damage should be suspected.

A baby with hyponus is usually quiet and calm and does not cause parents any trouble. Most of the time he is lethargic or asleep. He cries little, moves little, sucks poorly and is gaining weight. The child does not hold his head up for a very long time, his legs and arms, when lying on his back, are extended along his body, his stomach is spread out - “frog-like”. The hip extension angle reaches 180 degrees. When placing the baby on his stomach, he does not bend his arms and sticks his face into the surface, looking limp.

Asymmetrical tone - dystonia- this is a condition when some muscle groups are in increased tone and others are in decreased tone. In this condition, the child lies in unnatural positions, skin folds are expressed unevenly. The child may fall on his side, where the tone is more pronounced, and the head and pelvis will be turned towards the muscle tension, the torso will be arched.

Why is muscular dystonia dangerous?

If tone disturbances are detected early and treatment is fully carried out, tone disturbances disappear without a trace. With untreated hypertonicity, postural disorders develop, especially scoliosis, gait disturbances, torticollis or clubfoot. Disorders of psychomotor development with its delay may develop. The most severe consequence is cerebral palsy - a severe neurological disease that appears in the first months of life.

Treatment methods

The treatment package is selected by a neurologist. Regulation and normalization of muscle tone is achieved through complex treatment. It includes kinesitherapy, that is, movement therapy. This includes massages and various types of gymnastics, as a passive part of the effects, and an active part, which includes therapeutic exercises and therapeutic swimming.

In the most difficult cases, drug correction is also included - drugs for correcting ICP, dibazol to relieve spasm and vasodilation, B vitamins, mydocalm. Baths with herbs are recommended, and a visit to a homeopath or osteopath may be recommended.

The basis for the treatment of hypertension is the elimination of excess muscle tension; in this case, relaxing baths with a massage complex have proven themselves. Massage can be carried out both in the clinic and at home, after teaching parents the basic techniques. Usually these are stroking movements on the arms, legs, and back. You can alternate grasping stroking of the limbs with palmar stroking of the back and tummy. You can also use light rubbing; rocking on your hands or on a gymnastic ball gives a good relaxing effect.

If you have hypertonicity, chopping and clapping movements are unacceptable; they will increase tension. Walkers and jumpers are prohibited, as they place excessive stress on the spine and incorrectly distribute muscle tension.

In case of hypotension, a stimulating massage is performed, which activates muscle function. It is in this case that chopping, clapping, and rolling with the knuckles are justified - they tone the muscles.

Exercising on a gymnastic ball and swimming have a good tone-normalizing effect. They normalize and even out tone in various muscle groups.

If physiotherapeutic treatment methods do not have an effect, the doctor may add medications to the therapy.

In most cases, muscle tone disorders can be corrected quite effectively and disappear quickly and without a trace. If you find unusual tension in certain muscle groups or developmental delays in some areas in your baby, do not hesitate - consult a doctor.

Hypertonicity in a newborn is one of the most common problems in the first month of a child’s life. A similar diagnosis is made to almost every second baby. Hypertonicity does not always indicate pathology; in some cases, the process is absolutely natural and does not pose a threat to the baby.

In what cases should you sound the alarm and immediately begin treatment? All young parents should know the answers to these questions. It is important for moms and dads to be able to recognize hypertension in a baby and be sure to visit a doctor. Self-treatment of the problem is strictly prohibited.

Causes

Human muscle tone is a constant muscle tension, the process is regulated by the spinal cord and brain. In a healthy child, all necessary actions occur on “autopilot.” Thanks to this property, the human body moves in space and it is possible to walk vertically.

The newborn is just beginning to learn the skills of movement; muscle tone is very important during this period. The baby was in the fetal position for nine months: his fists were clenched, pressed to his body, his head was slightly pulled back. It is not surprising that the baby tries to remain in this position further. Hypertonicity in the first month of life is an absolutely normal physiological process, but if desired, you can straighten your fists. If this condition does not go away before six months, be sure to show the child to a neurologist.

The causes of hypertension in an infant may not pose a threat to the baby’s life, but sometimes indicate serious developmental abnormalities. It is difficult to independently determine whether there is a problem or not. If you suspect hypertonicity in a newborn, visit a doctor.

Common causes of problems in children include:

• during pregnancy, the woman suffered a serious illness with subsequent intoxication of the body;
• the pregnancy was difficult with various complications;
• difficult labor, fetal hypoxia (oxygen starvation);
• unbalanced diet of the expectant mother (in particular, lack of B vitamins);
• late or early toxicosis, threat of miscarriage;
• drinking alcohol during pregnancy, smoking tobacco;
• insufficient incision during caesarean section, resulting in damage to the cervical spine;
• Chronic diseases of a pregnant woman negatively affect the health of the baby;
• incompatibility of Rh factors in mother and baby;
• individual characteristics of the newborn. Some children develop later than others, which worries young parents. There is no need to panic if there are no deviations; muscle tone will return to normal after some time.

Finding out the cause of the pathology is an essential aspect of treatment. Without this information, it is sometimes simply impossible to cope with the problem.

Characteristic signs and symptoms

Hypertonicity in a newborn can be suspected based on the following symptoms:

• the chin trembles, especially during loud screaming or crying;
• the child experiences increased irritability (constant crying, whims);
• the arms are constantly bent at the elbows;
• the fists are constantly bent and difficult to unclench;
• the thumbs on the hands are close to the palm or constantly pressed against it;
• in some cases, torticollis is observed (the head is constantly tilted slightly to one side);
• arching of the back. The pathology is noticeable in any position;
• the baby puts up serious resistance when trying to straighten his limbs;
• the child reacts inadequately to light or loud sound;
• if you try to put the child on the floor, he will tighten his legs;
• while lying on your back, a stepping reflex is noted;
• the noise makes the baby flinch;
• the baby sleeps poorly, sleep is light and short;
• During sleep, the baby spits up, but does not wake up.

Important! If parents notice at least a few of the above signs in their child, they should immediately contact a neurologist for help.

Diagnostics

It is not easy for even an experienced neurologist to confirm or refute hypertonicity in a newborn. The pathology can be a natural process, a disease state, or a symptom of a serious disease of the central nervous system (hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy). Lost time can be costly, so don’t delay your visit to the doctor. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order the following examinations:

• computed tomography. It is rarely performed on infants, only in advanced cases;
• neurosonography. This is an ultrasound of the baby's brain. Through the soft tissue of an open fontanel, the procedure is carried out quickly and gives accurate results. A safe method allows you to identify the state of the brain and existing abnormalities. The elective procedure is performed at approximately 1.5 months of age;
• electromyography. A special device detects the speed of nerve impulses, informing the doctor about the strength of the muscles, the symmetry of their work, their state of activity and rest.

Additionally, other studies may be prescribed; sometimes a final diagnosis is not made, due to the ambiguity of modern research methods and their interpretation. In any case, specialists will prescribe the necessary treatment, based on its results, and adjustments are made that give a positive effect.

Methods and general rules of treatment

An orthopedist and a neurologist are involved in eliminating hypertension in a newborn. Treatment tactics are determined through joint efforts. There are many methods to solve the problem, a specific treatment regimen is prescribed depending on the severity of the situation, individual characteristics of the baby.

Massage

This technique has been used for many years, the most common types of massage: according to Fleps, Semenova. Manipulations affect biologically active points. The main purpose of massage is to relieve muscle tension, relax them, and relieve spasms. All movements must be neat, soft, Be sure to consider the age of the baby. In most cases, stroking, rubbing, and point movements are used. The procedure is performed by an experienced specialist, and only after completing the training course - by parents.

The average duration of a treatment course is 10–15 sessions. If necessary, the manipulations are repeated after one month. It is not necessary to do difficult exercises, In simple cases, well-known exercises will help:

• stroke your fingers, simulating putting gloves on your baby’s hands;
• Use stroking movements to move the area of ​​the hips, feet, and legs;
• It is forbidden to stroke the elbow area, shoulders, back - allowed;
• after stroking, rub the baby’s entire body, paying special attention to the limbs;
• massage each finger and toe;
• stroke your feet in the direction from the heel to the toes;
• draw a figure eight on your child’s foot: start from the toes, stop in the middle, end near the heel.

Hypertonicity in children is treated with massage, Do not use tapping or patting movements. Sharp manipulations aggravate the situation, the baby feels discomfort. Opinions differ on whether a baby should cry during a professional massage or not. Some believe that the pain is natural, because they press on the pain points, others believe that the baby should not experience discomfort.

Therapeutic gymnastics and exercises

Gymnastic exercises have a beneficial effect on the baby’s motor activity and stimulate normal muscle function. The main advantage of the technique is that it can be performed at home, without the help of a professional massage therapist.

Therapeutic exercises:

• relax your baby. Place the newborn on his back, stroke the baby with light movements, pay special attention to the limbs;
• extension of arms and legs. Carry out all manipulations carefully, do not rush;
• shake the baby. Take the child by the fingers and toes, shake him gently;
• restoration to the fetal position. Alternate twisting the baby, pressing the limbs to the body with the previous exercise;
• Let the child try to slide on the floor. Align the leg, the stupa should stand level, even if the baby does not yet know how to stand, such manipulations will help to correctly form support for the feet;
• use available tools. Place the baby on a small ball and let him try to swing on it. Be sure to hold him by the limbs;
• games with feet. It’s great if the baby becomes interested in the big toe and tries to bite it.

Carry out therapeutic manipulations several times a day, select the moment when the baby is in a good mood. In no case should gymnastics cause the baby any discomfort or pain.

Aquatherapy

Recently, water procedures have been actively used to solve problems with the nervous system not only in infants, but also in adults. Aquatherapy is indicated for the youngest patients; it relaxes the muscles and distributes the load evenly throughout the body. Diving with hypertonicity is prohibited, swimming - shown. Children love colorful and musical circles; turn treatment into an interesting game.

It is allowed to add extracts of chamomile, valerian, St. John's wort, and lingonberry to the healing bath. You cannot carry out manipulations every day; twice a week is enough. Relaxing baths should be taken before bed.

On the page, read about how to take Pertussin cough syrup for children.

Physiotherapy

Paraffin wraps have a beneficial effect on muscle tone, the heat relieves spasms, the baby becomes cheerful, and the problem goes away. The wrap is carried out on the legs. The procedure begins with heating the paraffin. Then place it on gauze, apply it to the baby’s legs, and hold for 10 minutes. For a noticeable effect, 10 procedures will be required; if necessary, the duration of the wraps can be increased to 20 minutes.

Drug treatment is prescribed only in cases where massage and physiotherapy did not help. The drugs are approved for use only by children from 3–6 months.

Preventive measures

Responsible behavior during pregnancy and compliance with all instructions will help prevent hypertension in a newborn. The birth itself plays an important role; trust experienced obstetricians.

Hypertonicity in a baby is not a death sentence; by noticing the problem in time and starting its treatment, you will save the baby from unpleasant consequences. Carefully monitor your baby’s behavior and reflexes, and report any “problems” to your doctor. Take care of your baby's health by regularly taking your baby for preventive examinations.

Muscles hold the skeleton and all internal organs of a person. They either contract or relax, allowing movement of the arms, legs, head, and back. However, muscle hypertonicity in newborns may not be physiological, but indicate a serious illness.

Hypertonicity is excessive tension in muscle tissue. Occurs in most newborn babies. This is explained by the fact that in the womb, due to limited space, the baby can be in the fetal position - with arms and legs tightly pressed to the body. And after birth, he needs time to master his body and learn how to move it. On average, by 6 to 8 months of age, symptoms of tight muscles should subside.

Other reasons that cause muscle hypertonicity in a child are:

• fetal hypoxia;
• birth injuries;
• perinatal encephalopathy.

There are different types of hypertension:

1. All limbs.

In the absence of proper and timely treatment, hypertension develops from a symptom into a disease, for example, cerebral palsy, or provokes disturbances in the further mental and physical development of the baby.

Excessive tension in the leg muscles is dangerous due to delayed physical development in newborns. Such babies later begin to stand on their full feet and walk.

Hypertonicity of the hands is mostly physiological and goes away without medical treatment. Expressed in clenching the fists and pressing the bent arms to the body. If it persists six months after the birth of the baby, you should consult a neurologist.

Diagnostics

Only a pediatric neurologist can make a diagnosis of increased muscle tone.

He conducts a series of studies and observes the movements of a newborn baby or a child of several months old. The initial examination of the baby is carried out in the maternity hospital.

Muscle tone in a baby is determined by the following methods:

1. On a hard surface. Up to 1.5 months, newborn babies retain the walking reflex if they are placed vertically on a hard surface and the body is slightly tilted forward. But if the legs become entangled or the baby stands and moves them on his toes, then this indicates hypertonicity.
2. Sitting on the handles. The baby is lifted from a horizontal position on a flat surface by the wrists, as if sitting down. There is no increased arm tone if he easily straightens his elbows.
3. Spreading the legs to the sides. In a supine position, the baby's legs are carefully spread to the sides by bent knees. There is hypertonicity if resistance is felt in the legs when trying again or the angle between the legs is less than 90°.
4. Symmetry and asymmetry. A newborn baby, lying on his back, is raised with his palm by the back of his head. If there is no resistance, then his neck muscle tone is normal. Then carefully turn the newborn's head towards the left shoulder. Such a reaction is expected - he will take a fencer's pose - he will straighten his left arms and legs, and tuck his right ones. If it persists longer than 2.5 months, this is a reason to start complex treatment.
5. Tonic reflex. A newborn baby is placed on a flat surface, first on his back, then on his tummy. In the first case, his limbs are expected to straighten out, in the second - to group. If such reactions persist for more than 3 months, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment.

It is often difficult for young parents to suspect muscle tone in their newborn baby, especially in their firstborn. Therefore, regular meetings with a pediatrician and other specialists in the first year of babies’ lives will protect them from many ailments.

When should you go to the doctor?

Although hypertonicity is physiological for newborn babies in the first months of life, there are clear symptoms that indicate a problem:

• frequent regurgitation,
• severe crying and irritation from any sounds and bright lights,
• bad dream,
• chin tremor during heavy crying,
• in a dream there is no relaxation of the arms and legs, they are also bent and pressed, as during wakefulness,
• almost from birth, the newborn’s head is supported independently,
• he takes his first steps not with his entire foot, but on tiptoe,
• torticollis,
• repeated spreading of the legs is met by increased resistance in the muscles.

Young parents should remember that the earliest possible diagnosis of a disease or developmental disorder in a newborn baby is the key to future successful treatment.

How to treat

After examining and carefully studying the history of hypertonicity in a newborn, the doctor will select treatment methods that are effective for each individual baby:

1. Massage course.
2. Baths with herbs (sage, motherwort, valerian) or pine oils.
3. Visit to the swimming pool.
4. Special gymnastics.
5. Electrophoresis.
6. Drug treatment.

Massage is carried out in courses of 10 sessions twice during the first year of the baby’s life.

The frequency of baths with the addition of herbs, oils, sea salt can be 2-3 times a week.

Swimming has a beneficial effect on muscle relaxation and improves the health of newborns. In addition, it is fun and interesting for the baby.

The habit of doing gymnastics is developed from a young age. In the future, it will be a good bonus for maintaining the baby’s health.

Drug treatment for newborns is prescribed in the most severe cases, when it is necessary to reduce pressure on the brain and disperse fluid in the muscles.

What can mom do

The closest and most loving person can help the baby reduce symptoms and recover from muscle tone. Mom is easily able to:

1. Master basic massage movements, their sequence and duration are simple. The main direction of the hands in a relaxing massage is from the periphery to the center, from the arms and legs to the back. You can take special courses or learn from a masseuse during a session. Because the touch of mother's hands is familiar to newborns and has a relaxing effect. And this is the golden rule in the treatment of hypertension.
2. Do gymnastics for your baby. The pediatrician will give you a set of exercises and instruct in detail how to perform them. First, with the help of mother’s hands, and then on his own, the baby will happily get used to the regularity of gymnastics.
3. Carry out special water procedures in the bathroom and pool. Stroking, support and touches from the mother's hands will give peace and relaxation to the baby.
4. Believe in success and regularly follow the measures prescribed by the doctor.

To effectively relieve muscle tone in newborn babies, it is important to provide a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Talk, caress and calm the baby if he shows the first signs of anxiety. This recommendation is relevant if you contact a massage therapist, go to the pool or undergo physiotherapy at the clinic.

Be healthy and take care of your little ones!

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