Symptom 7. Hypotonia: The Subtle Loss of Muscle Tone
Hypotonia, commonly known as reduced muscle tone, is a less obvious yet significant symptom of cerebellar ataxia. Unlike muscle strength, which refers to the power of muscle contraction, muscle tone refers to the muscle’s resistance to passive stretching when at rest. In cerebellar ataxia, patients may exhibit a noticeable decrease in muscle tone, making their limbs feel abnormally soft and flexible.
The cerebellum plays a significant role in maintaining optimal muscle tone by sending steady signals to the muscles even when they are at rest. When the cerebellum is damaged or its function compromised, these constant signals may become disrupted, leading to decreased muscle tone.
However, in more severe instances, hypotonia can interfere with a range of activities, from simple tasks like holding objects to more complex actions like walking or maintaining balance. (7)
