Children can develop muscle weakness for several reasons. Muscle weakness can be a sign of a serious health condition that needs medical care. Or it may be a temporary problem that goes away with minimal treatment. Often, a child has muscle weakness along with other symptoms.
The pediatric neurology team at Children’s Health℠ expertly diagnoses the cause of muscle weakness in children. We offer specialized treatments for common and complex conditions that cause muscle weakness.
Overview
What does muscle weakness in children mean?
A child with muscle weakness lacks the strength to move certain muscles the way they should. This lack of muscle strength makes it more difficult for a child to perform basic functions like walking, feeding or dressing themselves. A child may be able to perform these tasks, but it takes extra effort. As a result, a child with muscle weakness may tire more easily.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of muscle weakness in children?
Muscle weakness symptoms in children include:
Difficulty crawling, standing, walking, running, jumping or climbing stairs
Inability to raise their arms, feed themselves or pick up items and hold onto them
Trouble sucking, swallowing or speaking
Neurodevelopmental delays and developmental delays (not hitting milestones like rolling over or crawling as expected)
Lack (or loss) of muscle tone (soft, doughy muscles)
Floppy head and neck
Droopy eyelids or inability to track things with the eyes
Diagnosis
How is muscle weakness in children diagnosed?
Neurologists at Children’s Health are experts at pinpointing the cause of muscle weakness in a child. Different conditions can affect muscle strength. Often, other symptoms occur along with muscle weakness. Our doctors assess all symptoms to determine which diagnostic tests your child needs.
These tests may include:
Developmental testing - to check for motor, language, social and behavioral delays
Electromyogram (EMG) - to show how muscles respond to nerve signals
Genetic testing - to look for gene changes that cause certain disorders
MRIs or CT scans - to look for muscle changes that indicate neuromuscular disease
Muscle biopsies - to diagnose neuromuscular disorders and infections
Neurological examinations - to assess motor skills, balance and coordination
Causes
What are the causes of muscle weakness in children?
Many conditions can cause muscle weakness in a child. Muscle weakness causes include:
Acute flaccid myelitis or AFM (spinal cord inflammation and infection)
Autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Hereditary (genetic) neuropathies like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone)
Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone)
Neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy
Treatment
How is muscle weakness in children treated?
Treatments for muscle weakness vary depending on the underlying cause. At Children’s Health, we have the expertise to quickly diagnose the problem and start treatment. We offer comprehensive treatments for all types of disorders that cause muscle weakness.
Depending on the condition causing muscle weakness, treatments may include:
Doctors and Providers
We offer advanced care for children with muscle weakness. A dedicated team of specialists from various fields works together to help your child regain strength and mobility.
