Assessment of a Child's Neurology and Development (1)

Question 1

How is the progression of developmental milestones subdivide?

Answer 1

Gross motor, fine motor (includes visual-motor), language, social/emotional, and adaptive milestones

Question 2

Which primitive reflexes are tested in the newborn neurological assessment?

Answer 2

• Blinking – close eyes in response to light
• Plantar– upward toes (abnormal if present after 2 yrs)
• Crawling – crawling motions when placed on stomach
• Moro’s (Startle) – quick change in position will cause baby to throw arms out, open hands, and throw head back
• Tonic neck – if head passively turned to side, the ipsilateral arm will extend and other arm will flew at elbow and shoulder
• Grasp – fingers or toes will curl when something placed in area
‣ Muscle stretch/Tendon reflexes usually tested in the older child