Pediatric Reflexes

Question 1

Crossed extension reflex

Answer 1

Noxious stimulus to sole of foot —> flexes stimulated lower limb and extends and abducts opposite

1-2 months

If persisting: problems with crawling, standing balance, and gait

Question 2

Flexor withdrawal reflex

Answer 2

Noxious stimulus to sole of foot —> flexes stimulated lower limb

1-2 months

If persists: standing balance, gait on uneven surfaces due to hypersensitivity of feet.

Question 3

Positive support reflex

Answer 3

1-2 months
Stand infant on balls of feet in contact with firm surface —> baby extends lower limbs to support weight

If persists — standing balance and gait problems - may have rigid gait abnormality

Question 4

Galant reflex

Answer 4

3 months

Stroke para spirals in prone on one side — lateral flexion of lumbar spine on side of stimulus

If persists — sitting balance, crawling, gait, could lead to scoliosis

Question 5

Rooting reflex

Answer 5

3 months

Stroke cheek toward mouth — head rotates toward stimulus and mouth opens

If persists — problems with controlling head movements for visual purposes

Question 6

Stepping Reflex

Answer 6

3-4 months

Hold infant upright with feet supported on surface and lean forward — baby does high stepping movement with regular rhythm

If persists — problems with standing balance and gait

Question 7

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex

Answer 7

4 months

In prone, head flexed, in supine, head extended

If persists problems with antigravity control

Question 8

Moro

Answer 8

3-5 months

Let baby head drop backwards when in reclined sitting position — abduction and extension of B UE and playing of fingers and then flexion and Adduction of arms to chest

If persists — problems with sitting balance, standing balance, and drinking (if neck is extended too quick can trigger Moro reflex)

Question 9

Startle reflex

Answer 9

3-5 months

Loud noise or sudden movement — abduction and extension of BUE and splaying fingers followed by Adduction and flexion to chest (same as Moro)

Persists if: oversensitive and overreactive to sensory stimuli.

Question 10

Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex

Answer 10

4-5 months

Rotation of head in supine active or passive — upper limb on turning side extends and hand opens — contralateral limb flexes and hand closes

If persists: problems with prone propping, rolling, belly crawling , all fine motor, biannual tasks, crossing midline issues

Question 11

Palmar grasp reflex

Answer 11

4-7 months

Apply pressure to palm of hand — fingers flex to grasp

If persists intentional grasp and release problems — pull to stand

Question 12

Sucking reflex

Answer 12

5 months

Place gloved finger in mouth — rhythmically sucking

If persists: problems with eating drinking speech drooling , tendency to suck thumb

Question 13

Symmetrical tonic neck (STNR) reflex

Answer 13

Appears at 5 months bu not in most kids — disappears at 8-9 months

Flexion or extension of head — head flexion = arms flex and hips extend

With head in extension = arms extend and hips flex

If persists — problems with prone activities and standing

Question 14

Landau reflex

Answer 14

3-12 months

Support in prone and flex neck — infant will extend head and hips above horizontal and hips flex