Pediatric Reflexes

Question 1

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) Stimulus and Response

Answer 1

Stimulus: Head turns to one side
Response: Arm/leg on face side extend, arm/leg on scalp side are flexed

Question 2

Normal age range for ATNR presence

Answer 2

Birth-6 months

Question 3

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Stimulus and Response

Answer 3

Stimulus: Head flexed or extended
Response: head flexion = arms flex, legs extend
head extends = arms extend, legs flex
(aka arms follow the head, legs do opposite!)

Question 4

Normal age range for STNR presence

Answer 4

6-8 months

Question 5

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) Stimulus and Response

Answer 5

Stimulus: position of labyrinth in inner hear reflected by head position
Response: Supine = body and extremities held in extension
Prone = body ane extremities are held in flexion

Question 6

Normal age range for TLR presence

Answer 6

Birth-6 months

Question 7

Galant Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 7

Stimulus: stroke paraspinals
Response: trunk laterally flexes to side of stimulus

Question 8

Normal age range for Galant Reflex presence

Answer 8

30 weeks of gestation to 2 months

Question 9

Palmar Grasp Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 9

Stimulus: pressure in palm
Response: flexion of fingers into strong grip

Question 10

Normal age range for Palmar Grasp Reflex presence

Answer 10

Birth-4 months

Question 11

Plantar Grasp Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 11

Stimulus: Pressure to base of toes
Response: Toe flexion

Question 12

Normal age range for Plantar Grasp Reflex presence

Answer 12

28 weeks gestation to 9 months (when they typically start standing/walking)

Question 13

Rooting Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 13

Stimulus: touch on cheek
Response: turning head to side of stimulus with mouth open

Question 14

Normal age range for Rooting Reflex presence

Answer 14

28 weeks of gestation-3 months

Question 15

Moro Refelx Stimulus and Response

Answer 15

Stimulus: head suddently dropping into extension a few inches
Response: arms abduct with fingers open, then into adduction; crying

Question 16

Normal age range for Moro Reflex presence

Answer 16

28 weeks gestation-5 months (same as startle)

Question 17

Startle Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 17

Stimulus: Sudden loud noise
Response: Similar to Moro, but elbows remain flexed and hands closed

Question 18

Normal age range for Startle Reflex presence

Answer 18

28 weeks gestation-5 months (same as Moro)

Question 19

Positive Support Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 19

Stimulus: Weight on balls of feet when upright
Response: Stiffing of legs and trunk into extension

Question 20

Normal age range for Positive Support Reflex presence

Answer 20

35 weeks gestation-2 months

Question 21

Walking (stepping) Reflex Stimulus and Response

Answer 21

Stimulus: Supported upright position with soles of feet on firm surface
Response: Reciprocal flexion/extension of legs

Question 22

Normal age range for Walking/stepping Reflex presence

Answer 22

38 weeks gestation-2 months