Reflexes Flashcards
What is a reflex?
An involuntary motor response to a sensory stimulus
Where do reflexes originate from?
The brain stem
How long do most infant reflexes last?
Most don’t persist past year 1
What are the lifespan reflexes?
- knee jerk reflex
- flexor withdrawal reflex
How do infants assist with the birthing process?
Create automatic pushing, turning, wriggling movements. Movements are generated by reflexes
When are postural reflexes typically in place?
By 3-4 years
What is an example of a postural reflex?
Head-righting reflex
What are the primitive reflexes?
Moro ATNR Spinal Galant TLR Landau STNR
What is the purpose of primitive reflexes?
To initiate movements that form the building blocks for intentional movements
What are the 3 main reasons that primitive reflexes are used for?
- Protection
- Nutrition (sucking, rooting)
- Survival (moro)
What are some reasons that can prevent reflexes from being integrated?
- injuries at birth or after birth
- drugs ingested in utero/through breast milk
- allergies
- physical/emotional overstimulation
- blinking lights and media overload
- lack of opportunity for movement
What is the onset and integration for the Moro reflex?
Birth - 4 months
How is the Moro reflex tested?
Place child in supine. Gently lift head off mat, release suddenly allowing it to fall.
Response: baby is startled, arms should move sideways with palms up and thumbs flexed.
How does the Moro reflex help development?
- involuntary reaction to threat
- fight or flight
- startle
What are the functional implications of Moro not being integrated?
- motion sickness
- poor balance/coordination
- delayed equilibrium & righting response
- auditory hypersensitivity
- poor auditory discrimination
- difficulty with transitions
- hypersensitivity
