Child Motor Skills

 Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Motor Concerns

My daughter is 6 years old and in kindergarten. She was diagnosed with low muscle tone around 3 years old. She is in Physical Therapy at school for 2 years and her pt instructor said her progress is very slow but there is some progress being made. She asked if my daughter had ever seen a neurologist and she has not. Do you recommend low muscle tone children see a neurologist? My pediatrician said she would refer us if I wanted but really didn't see the need. (My pediatrician has also been very "laid back" about my the low muscle tone and not done any further test regarding it). So I guess my question is do you recommend a visit to a neurologist and what types of test would they do?

 I spoke with one of our physical therapists this morning and she told me that is it never a bad idea to see a neurologist for a child with motor problems/low muscle tone. A neurologist specializes in disorders that involve the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles) which can include, but are not limited to delayed motor milestones, weakness, cerebral palsy, nerve muscle disorders and coordination. A neurologist may be able to rule out if there is a specific cause to your daughter's low muscle tone and delayed motor milestones.

We are not sure what specific tests he might recommend for your daughter, but it could possibly be an MRI. Our suggestion would be to speak to your daughter's PT at school and she may be able to give you a better idea of why she recommends it and what tests she thinks the neurologist may perform. Seeing the neurologist can't hurt and it may give you piece of mind in ruling out other concerns. There are many children who have low muscle tone and no specific cause has been found, however other children have low muscle tone due to a specific diagnosis.

Back to:  Therapist Questions & Answers - Motor Concerns

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