A diagnostic approach to hypotonia in infancy

Arrest of normal development of muscle tone during gestation and infancy from many causes leads to hypotonia. This may result from malfunction of neuromuscular system, a central nervous system disorder, a metabolic defect or be incidental in other diseases. Some of these conditions are relatively benign whereas others progress relentlessly. A distinction between these is usually possible and a combination of clinical electromyographic and pathological features is sometimes necessary for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.