My Pediatrician Suspects Hypertonia

I am a pediatric PT. There can be many causes of hypertonia. The one piece of advice I would like to give you is to stop using the jumperoo altogether. In general we steer away from them and the repetetive jumping could increase his tone. While you are waiting for your neurology appointment you could set up an evaluation through Early Intervention. The PT could give you more input on his tone and development and get you started on things to help it. I can give you the info if you are interested. Just send me an email through here!

Julie

Neil Miller, Thinktwice.com is a good start.
Dr. Stephanie Cave has an excellent book as well.

I am sorry that you are going through this with your little guy! I am hopeful that you will get some answers soon from the neurology visit.

In the meantime, you can call Early Intervention today to get started with an assessment. Or, if you have insurance and your pediatrician's prescription, you can go directly through pediatric rehab center and get OT and PT assessments done sooner. I have that info if you wish, just let me know. City Kids on Northwest Highway is one of the best. Kacey Hertz is a wonderful PT there.

I am not sure where in Chicago you are located, but this Early Intervention office below coordinates OT, PT, Speech and Developmental care to the North side families. They will walk you through what you need to do to get started. Or, if your zip code is in another region, they will give you that number.

Child and Family Connections (CFC 11)
Early Intervention
945 W George St, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: ###-###-####
TTY: None
Fax: ###-###-####
Toll Free: (800) 289-7990

Also, I agree with Julie. Please discontinue use of the jumperoo. Actually, it is detrimental to typically and non-typically developing kids alike.

Keep us posted. And enjoy your beautiful baby boy!

We also saw a neurologist at Children's for my son after a diagnosis of Hypertonia. We did OT and PT through early intervention until he was three (also see my response to Hina re: eating). I started taking my son swimming at 9 mos. old (he loved it!)Swimming is the best overall body conditioner. We went 2-3 times per week with lessons and just me working with him in the pool. By the time he was around 4 yrs. the neurologist said to continue doing whatever I was doing because his tone was almost normal! He is almost 10 now and has been on a swim team since he was 6 yrs. old. He also plays baseball. While we still have other issues we work on daily (too numerous to mention) he is healthy, happy and very active.

Hi B.-
My daughter was very similar to your son. She was extremely rigid in her arms--I had the hardest time pulling them up to clean her armpits. In addition she wasn't reaching her developmental milestones (i.e. reaching for things, putting toys to her mouth, etc..). Compared to my friend's kids, she basically wasn't using her arms/hands. It was at her 4 month appt that I started to become worried (when my ped. mentioned hypertonia) and unfortunately spent way too much time on the internet questioning what it could be. I convinced myself that she had cerebral palsy, and needless to say I was a total wreck! I ended up having her evaluated by the state and she qualified for both physical therapy and occupational therapy, although interesting enough both therapists said she didn't have hypertonia, but hypotonia (low muscle tone) and was holding so tight so that she felt safe in her body. My daughter is 2 years old now and couldn't be more 'normal.' She was late to crawl and walk, but she was talking by her 1st birthday! I completely understand your worry, I was there myself not too long ago. I urge you NOT to spend too much time on the web otherwise you'll make yourself crazy. I would definitely recommend calling EI (early intervention) and set up an appt for an evaluation. It's free and certainly can't hurt. If anything, it could give you peace of mind that you're being proactive and advocating for your son. Hang in there. Please let me know if there's anything I can do!

Ever thought of going to a chiropractor? They are great for kids!!! I took my son for "torticolis" which was gone after 1 adjustment... It can't hurt to get him checked out from all different types of people.

Hi B.! My youngest had this along with small head circumference. He was adopted and his birthmom was a substance user. We streatched out his limbs (think wheels on the bus) 8 times a day and he started recieving Early Intervention at 5 weeks old including developmental and physical therapy. They will come to your house for free and do a global assessment.
My sone walked at 12.5 months and is now two and doing great.
I know this is stressful. Maybe he'll have some lasting issues, maybe he won't. The important thing is that you get him all the extra help you can to maximize his progress, just in case.
Best of luck to you!