5. Fluctuations in Muscle Tone: The Rollercoaster of DCP
Another distinctive symptom of dyskinetic cerebral palsy is fluctuations in muscle tone. This symptom essentially refers to the degree of resistance or tension in the muscles when they are stretched. Individuals with DCP may experience muscles that are excessively rigid or stiff (hypertonic) or muscles that are overly relaxed and floppy (hypotonic).
In DCP, these muscle tone changes can be rapid and unpredictable, which can make controlling movements exceptionally challenging. For instance, hypertonic muscles can result in sudden, jerky movements or abnormal postures, while hypotonic muscles can make it difficult to maintain balance or generate enough force for movements.
These fluctuations in muscle tone can present additional difficulties when performing everyday tasks. For example, picking up a cup requires a delicate balance of muscle tone – too much tone, and the cup might be crushed or knocked over; too little tone, and the cup might slip out of the hand. As you can imagine, this can make the simplest tasks complex and frustrating, often leading to avoidance of activities and reduced participation in social events.
Interventions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, medication, can help manage muscle tone fluctuations. By strengthening the muscles and improving coordination, individuals with DCP can gain better control over their movements, increasing their confidence and independence. (5)
