Spectrum Center
Your child may present with a disorder of the vestibular system.
The vestibular system detects motion and gravity, and provides us with
our sense of balance. The system develops early in utero and through
its many connections with the rest of the brain, is believed to provide
the foundation for many other functions. When the influences of
vestibular stimuli fail to reach their natural destinations, they
cannot adequately contribute to sensory integration. The result is
indicated by depressed processing within the vestibular system and
hypotonicity.
Depressed vestibular processing is often associated with and can contribute to low muscle tone. Muscle tone is particularly influenced by the vestibular system, and when the vestibular system is not integrating information adequately it can contribute to hypotonia. Muscle tone is the normal level of muscle tension when the body is at rest. If muscle tone is decreased, it is more difficult to initiate movement or to maintain muscle tension during movement. The person may appear floppy. Muscle tone is necessary for good proximal stability. A lack of sufficient postural support can contribute significantly to difficulties in fine/gross and oral motor coordination. All refined movements of the extremities and head are dependent on an adequate base of muscle tone to provide postural support.
The postural trunk may also tend to be floppy and result in difficulty maintaining an erect posture for long term functional activities.