FLACCIDITY, ATONIA, ATAXIA
Flaccidity and Atonia are fortunately relatively rare. They are difficult to treat and must be differentiated from conditions of the muscle such as some forms of muscular dystrophy. Ataxia is a condition characterized by loss of balance and poor coordination. Such a child may have normal muscle strength and tone, but because the balance factors are inadequate, attempts at walking are difficult, dangerous, or most often, impossible. Such children have difficulty gauging the amount of movement they are making with an extremity and may miss their intended amount of movement by overextending or underextending the part.