NEONATAL REFLEXES PRIMARY MOTOR PATTERNS INFANT REFLEXES & REACTIONS

Neonatal Reflexes or Primary Motor Patterns and Infant Reflexes & reactions In neonates & infants, motor behavior influenced by primitive reflexes as a result of immature CNS during first 6-8 months of life as CNS matures, reflexes gradually suppressed Reflexes generate predictable & stereotypic movements and postures. Present at birth and become “integrated” or inhibited, or not evident later in development In CNS lesions, may persist and interfere with motor milestone attainment, or cause deformities

Neonatal Reflexes or Primary Motor Patterns and Infant Reflexes & reactions Reflexes form the basic organized pathways in the spinal cord and regulation from the higher centers is accomplished by excitation and inhibition of these reflexes Spinal and brainstem level reflexes have to be inhibited Midbrain and cortical reflexes must be encouraged

Level Classification of Reflexes Spinal Reflexes Flexor withdrawal Extensor thrust Crossed extension Moro Startle Brainstem Reflexes Tonic neck reflexes - ATNR - STNR 2) Static labyrinthine 3) Positive supporting 4) Negative supporting

Level Classification of Reflexes Midbrain Reflexes Kinetic Labyrinthine Superior semi-circular canal Posterior semi-circular canal Body righting acting on head Body righting acting on body Optical righting reflex Labyrinthine righting reflex Amphibian reflex Protective extension Parachute reflex Brainstem Reflexes Equilibrium reflexes - Side tilting - Forward tilting - backward tilting

Level Classification of Reflexes Reflexes without Classification Sucking reflex Grasp reflex Placement reflex Stepping reflex Standing reflex

Reflex Development (ref: Molnar, ch. 2 Growth & Development )

Reflex Development (Molnar)

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Reflex Development (ref: O’Sullivan and Siegelman )

Plantar Response: Babinski Reflex