Which statement best describes hypotonia in infancy for this population?

Which statement best describes hypotonia in infancy for this population?

• A. Poor development of head control and neck stability; requires support beyond typical time frame; impaired trunk control; weak and delayed antigravity movements and righting responses
• B. Hypertonia with increased muscle tone
• C. Early and rapid acquisition of motor milestones
• D. Normal head control with intact trunk control by 3 months

Answer: (A)

Hypotonia in infancy, especially in infants with spina bifida, shows up as a floppy, low-tone state that disrupts early postural control. This means head control and neck stability are poor, so the infant often needs support to hold the head and upper body beyond the typical age. Without solid trunk control, antigravity movements—lifting the head, maintaining posture against gravity, rolling, and prolonged sitting—are weak or delayed. Because the muscles are low in tone, reflexes like righting and protective responses are slower to develop, making balance and coordinated movement harder to achieve.

Hypertonia would present with stiff, tight muscles rather than a floppy feel, so that’s not describing hypotonia. Early and rapid motor milestone achievement is the opposite pattern of hypotonia, which typically slows or delays motor development. Normal head control and trunk control by three months would also not fit a hypotonic presentation, as hypotonia implies delayed or diminished control.