Izomtónuszavarok

Izomtónuszavarok, or muscle tone disorders, refer to conditions affecting the resting tension of muscles. Muscle tone is the continuous, passive partial contraction of the muscles, essential for maintaining posture, balance, and coordinated movements. Abnormalities in muscle tone can manifest as either hypotonia (low muscle tone) or hypertonia (high muscle tone).

Hypotonia, often referred to as "floppy infant syndrome" in severe cases, is characterized by decreased muscle resistance. Muscles may feel soft and weak, leading to poor posture, delayed motor development, and difficulties with feeding and breathing. Causes of hypotonia are diverse and can include genetic disorders, neurological conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, neuromuscular junction disorders, or metabolic diseases.

Hypertonia, conversely, involves increased muscle tone and stiffness. This can result in muscle spasms, involuntary movements, and difficulty with range of motion. Common forms of hypertonia include spasticity, characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone, and rigidity, which is a constant resistance to passive movement regardless of speed. Hypertonia is frequently associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and certain neurological degenerative diseases.

Diagnosis of izomtónuszavarok typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination assessing muscle strength and reflexes, and potentially neurological investigations such as MRI or nerve conduction studies. Treatment strategies vary depending on the underlying cause and the specific type of muscle tone abnormality, often focusing on physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication to reduce spasticity, or surgical interventions in some cases. The goal of management is to improve function, reduce discomfort, and enhance the individual's quality of life.