why is a sixteen month old keep falling down and head falling forward.

[daykey]

I need some insight and direction int my son problem. For the last two weeks my sixteen month son, when sitting up or standing up his head would just fall forward and he will pull it right back up but then it might fall again, it look like he had no control over his neck muscles. Also when walking, sometimes he would fall down and he would get right back up again.I think it happen before sleep and after sleep this would happen. I took him to a pediatrician and he order some blood test but while waiting on the test, I need some advice on this becauce this only just started to happen about two week now. I thinking should I be seeking further medical attention or get a second pediatrician view.


thanks alot for your help.

[caandahl]

This video was interesting


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0W4R7QjNfQ

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

In general, hypotonia, or low muscle tone, can also result from problems in the nervous system or muscles.

The causes of hypotonia could include genetic problems, metabolic problems, mitochondrial problems, and toxic problems (exposure to toxins during pregnancy or after birth). Each type of condition can be identified based on a combination of the history, physical examination, and lab testing.

On the surface, your son might fit the description for any of these conditions, but evaluation by an experienced physician will identify some additional features that may not be obvious to you that will help direct the diagnosis. I would recommend that you discuss with your pediatrician if you should have your son evaluated by a pediatric neurologist.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.