How to deal with high muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy

Patient's question:

Cerebral palsy in children, high muscle tone, except when sleeping, sometimes in a tense state

Doctor's answer:

The baby has high muscle tone. Muscle tone is the foundation for maintaining various body postures and normal movements, and it manifests in multiple forms. For example, when a person is resting in a static position, the tension present in the muscles of different body parts is referred to as static muscle tone. When standing, although the muscles do not show significant contraction, the muscles in the front and back of the body maintain a certain tension to maintain the standing posture and body stability, known as postural muscle tone. The tension in the muscles during movement is called dynamic muscle tone, which is a crucial factor in ensuring continuous and smooth muscle movement (without tremors, spasms, or cramps). High muscle tone, however, is characterized by: extended lower limbs, adduction, and a scissor-like appearance.
For a baby with high muscle tone, there may be a risk of developing cerebral palsy in children. Since this condition poses significant harm, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. High muscle tone in babies is a concept introduced from abroad in recent years. High muscle tone is common and often indicates varying degrees of brain damage in the baby, as well as potential nerve damage. Symptoms may be observed even in newborns one month old.
The manifestations of high muscle tone include:
1. The hands are often clenched into fists, with the thumb tucked in. Massaging the back of the hand does not easily open the small hand.
2. When pulling the baby's limbs, there is a strong resistance, making it difficult to pull or move them. For example, extending or lifting the arms is difficult or impossible, and crossing the arms in front of the chest is challenging.
3. The ankles are often turned inward, with the toes curled downward in a scissor-like position. When holding the baby upright on a hard surface, the feet remain turned inward and up on their toes.
4. When touching the leg muscles, the thigh and calf muscles may appear uneven in size, with the muscles being stiff, easily mistaken for the firmness often associated with older adults.
5. During bathing, it is difficult to open the fists, and when the baby's lower limbs touch the edge of the tub or the water surface, the child's entire body immediately becomes rigid.