Technically known as hypotonia, Floppy Baby Syndrome is a condition that is characterized by unresponsiveness, extreme muscle weakness and a lack of muscle tone. Any one of a number of things can cause Floppy Baby Syndrome, including:

 

• down’s syndrome
• cerebral palsy
• muscular dystrophy
• septic shock, a condition caused by exposure to toxins
• heart failure
• hemorrhaging
• spinal cord injuries

These are only a few of the causes of Floppy Baby Syndrome, as there are actually dozens of things that could cause this disorder.

What Are the Symptoms?

The signs of hypotonia usually manifest themselves during infancy, and may or may not be present at birth. A few of the signs that might be present include:

• excessive drooling
• inability to control the head (in children who are old enough to do so)
• very loose limbs and flexible joints
• feeble and weak crying
• poor attention span for age
• difficulty nursing
• poor development

At the first sign of any of these symptoms, parents should consult with a physician so that further tests can be performed if necessary. This is especially true if the symptoms seem to come on rather suddenly, yet are not the result of an accident or injury.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Floppy Baby Syndrome can sometimes be difficult to do, since there are a number of things that can cause it. Doctors may sometimes prescribe CT scans, MRIs, biopsies of the muscles and nerves or genetic testing in order to make a diagnosis. These tests are done not only to determine whether or not a child has Floppy Baby Syndrome, but to determine the underlying cause of it as well.

Treatment and Causes

The exact treatment will depend upon the cause of this condition. Regardless of its cause, infants who suffer from Floppy Baby Syndrome will likely need extended medical care for some time; some will not even survive. Those who do could need to undergo multiple surgeries, complete physical therapy, or be required to take maintenance prescriptions in order to control their condition.

The conditions that cause Floppy Baby Syndrome are sometimes brought about as a result of medical negligence, with one of the most common ones being birth injuries. Doctors may also fail to make a diagnosis early on, which in turn could result of a worsening of the condition. When the underlying cause of this disorder is negligence, parents may be entitled to recover damages in a court of law.

Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Floppy Baby Syndrome is one of the most difficult things a parent has to deal with. It’s tough watching your child struggle to things that other babies can easily accomplish, such as nursing. If you baby has been injured, then you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can fight for your rights. Schedule a free case evaluation today by calling 713-222-1222.

*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net