A 30-year-old member asked:
My baby was born with hypotonia. physio work wonders to rehabilate muscles all over his body. but his face still has very low tone. what can i do?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Cindy Justeranswered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Oral motor therapy: Depending on the extent of physical therapy being given and the severity of your baby's hypotonia, occupational therapy and even speech therapy (they can do oral motor therapy to help with feedings) may be needed. Gentle massage and range of motion exercises also help the whole body and increase bonding. Make sure you also get some rest for yourself!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Goldieanswered
Pediatric Neurology 50 years experience
Suck and swallow: For babies the best facial exercise is suck and swallow as well as smiling and facial expression. Just play with him and help him feed and be cautious and allow time to help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Mooreanswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
See a geneticist: If your baby hasn't already seen a specialist in genetics, i would strongly recommend it. Sometimes genetic tests can help determine the cause of the hypotonia which may help with treatments and therapies as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Suggestions: I'm glad that you got your baby right in to early intervention services & that (s)he's responding to therapy. You may be able to see a geneticist & developmental/behavioral pediatrician through ei, if you haven't done so already, to try to find out what caused this & what it means for future development. Ot's & slt's often work together, since the same muscles are used for eating & talking.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Natalie Hodgeanswered
Pediatrics 28 years experience
Diagnosis? : Are you seeing a pediatric neurologist? What is the baby's diagnosis? Please follow up with you pediatrician soon to help you pursue a diagnosis, which will lead you to a "prognosis" ( how we expect this problem will progress) as well as a treatment plan. Very close developmental follow up is warranted! Best of luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 4, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.