Reflexes

Question 1

What is a reflex, and where do reflexes originate?

Answer 1

A reflex is an involuntary motor response to a sensory stimulus, originating in the brainstem.

Question 2

What are primitive reflexes, and why are they important in infant development?

Answer 2

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that support early development and form the foundation for voluntary movement.

Question 3

What is the difference between primitive reflexes and postural reflexes?

Answer 3

Primitive reflexes appear early in infancy and are integrated, while postural reflexes develop later and aid in balance.

Question 4

How do primitive reflexes assist in the birth process?

Answer 4

Primitive reflexes generate movements such as pushing and wriggling, helping the infant during the birth process.

Question 5

What are the consequences of retained primitive reflexes?

Answer 5

Retained primitive reflexes can impede motor development, affect balance, and contribute to learning difficulties.

Question 6

What is the Moro reflex, and what is its developmental importance?

Answer 6

The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, helps with early protective responses

• starts integrating by 5 months.

Question 7

How is the Moro reflex tested, and what is the expected response?

Answer 7

The Moro reflex is tested by dropping the baby’s head slightly. The expected response is UE abduction, open fingers, and crying.

Question 8

What is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), and why is it called the “fencer’s pose”?

Answer 8

ATNR is triggered when the head is turned, causing extension on the side toward which the head is turned. It’s called the ‘fencer’s pose’ because of the arm positioning.

Question 9

What is the role of the Spinal Galant reflex in development?

Answer 9

The Spinal Galant reflex helps the infant move down the birth canal and supports early spinal movements.

Question 10

How is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) tested, and what is its function?

Answer 10

TLR is tested in prone or supine positions. Flexion of the head results in body flexion; extension of the head causes body extension.

Question 11

What is the Landau reflex, and how does it contribute to posture development?

Answer 11

The Landau reflex helps develop posture and muscle tone by extending the head, neck, and trunk when the infant is suspended prone.

Question 12

What is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), and how does it support crawling?

Answer 12

STNR allows infants to get into the crawling position by dissociating upper and lower body movements. It integrates by 12 months.

Question 13

What is the Babinski reflex, and how does it prepare the body for walking?

Answer 13

The Babinski reflex involves toe extension when the sole of the foot is stroked. It prepares the feet for walking.

Question 14

How is the Palmar grasp reflex tested, and when does it typically integrate?

Answer 14

The Palmar grasp reflex is tested by placing pressure in the infant’s palm, leading to an automatic grasp. It integrates by 4 months.

Question 15

What is the rooting reflex, and how does it support nutrition?

Answer 15

The rooting reflex causes the infant to turn their head toward a stimulus on their cheek, helping with breastfeeding.

Question 16

When do most primitive reflexes integrate in a typically developing child?

Answer 16

Most primitive reflexes integrate within the first year of life.

Question 17

What are postural reflexes, and when do they emerge?

Answer 17

Postural reflexes help with balance and begin to emerge as primitive reflexes integrate, usually by 3-4 years.

Question 18

How do primitive reflexes integrate into more voluntary and conscious movement?

Answer 18

Primitive reflexes are gradually replaced by conscious control as the brain matures and connections between neurons strengthen.

Question 19

What factors can disrupt the normal integration of reflexes?

Answer 19

Factors include birth trauma, injuries, overstimulation, lack of movement opportunities, and exposure to drugs.

Question 20

What happens to balance and posture when primitive reflexes are not integrated?

Answer 20

Unintegrated reflexes can impair balance, posture, and coordination, leading to delayed motor development.

Question 21

How is the Moro reflex tested in an infant?

Answer 21

Place the infant on their back, lift the head slightly, and then let it drop for a moment, observing the startle response.

Question 22

How is the ATNR tested in a child?

Answer 22

Place the child on their back and turn the head to one side. The arm and leg on the side of the head turn should extend.

Question 23

How is the Spinal Galant reflex tested, and what response should be observed?

Answer 23

Stroke along the spine from the shoulder to the hip. The infant should laterally flex toward the side of the stimulus.

Question 24

How is the TLR tested, and what observations indicate a retained reflex?

Answer 24

Ask the child to look up and down from standing. A retained TLR may cause them to lose balance or show exaggerated movements.

Question 25

How is the Landau reflex tested, and what should the response be?

Answer 25

Suspend the infant horizontally in prone. The expected response is the extension of the head, neck, and trunk.

Question 26

How is the STNR tested in a child?

Answer 26

Place the child in quadruped, have them look up and down. A retained STNR may cause the hips to flex or extend excessively.

Question 27

How is the Babinski reflex tested, and what does an abnormal response indicate?

Answer 27

Stroke the lateral border of the foot. An abnormal response, such as a positive Babinski in older children, may indicate neurological dysfunction.

Question 28

What are the signs of a retained Moro reflex?

Answer 28

A retained Moro reflex may cause hypersensitivity, poor balance, and delayed protective responses.

Question 29

How can a retained ATNR affect a child’s motor development?

Answer 29

A retained ATNR can result in poor midline development, delayed rolling, and difficulties with handwriting.

Question 30

What are the consequences of a retained Spinal Galant reflex?

Answer 30

A retained Spinal Galant reflex can cause bedwetting, poor concentration, and scoliosis.

Question 31

How does a retained STNR affect crawling and postural development?

Answer 31

A retained STNR may cause ‘W’ sitting, bunny hopping instead of crawling, and poor posture.

Question 32

What issues arise from a retained Babinski reflex?

Answer 32

A retained Babinski reflex may cause difficulty walking, foot deformities, and frequent ankle sprains.