peds: reflexes

Question 1

Palmer Grasp reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 1

press palmar surface of baby’s hand- baby grasps your finger
disappears: 3-4 mo
>2mo clenched fist- CNS damage
>4mo reflex- pyrimidal tract dysfunction

Question 2

Plantar grasp reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 2

-stroke inner sole baby’s toes- toes curl
disappears: 6-8mo
>8mo - pyrimidal tract dysfunction

Question 3

Rooting reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 3

• stroke the cheek- baby turns toward to feed
  disappears: 3-4 mo
  absence: severe generalized or CNS disease

Question 4

moro reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 4

(startle reflex) abruptly lower baby 2ft, arms splay out, hands open, legs extend + cry
disappears: 4 mo
>4mo- neuro disorder
asymmetric- clavicle or humerus fracture, brachial plexus injury

Question 5

asymmetric tonic neck reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 5

baby lying supine, turn head to one side- arms/legs on that side extend, opposite arm/leg flex
disappears: 2 mo
>2 mo- asymmetric neuro development or CP

Question 6

Trunk Incurvation reflex (Galant’s reflex): what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 6

stroke baby’s back 1cm from midline from shoulder down to butt - spine curves toward the stimulated side

disappears: 2 mo
absence: transverse spinal cord injury
persistence: development delay

Question 7

Landau reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 7

hold baby prone in one hand- head lifts and spine straightens
disappears : 6mo
persistence: delayed development

Question 8

parachute reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 8

hold baby prone in one hand, lower head toward a surface- arms and legs extend to protect
begins- 8 months, does not disappear
delay: predict future delays in voluntary motor development

Question 9

positive support reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 9

hold baby + lower for feet to touch - baby extends legs to stand for 30 sec then sags
disappears: 6mo
absence: hypotonia or flaccidity
fixed extension/adduction (scissors)- spasticity from neuro d/o (CP)

Question 10

placing and stepping reflex: what the reflex is, and when it disappears, and what it may mean if it is abnormal.

Answer 10

hold baby + lower one foot to touch, other foot will flex forward to step
disappears: variable after 4 days
absence of place: paralysis (unless born breech-then no placing is normal)