P1: Pedia Reflexes general info

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Definition: When the infant’s head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on the face side extend, while the limbs on the opposite side flex (like a "fencer’s pose").

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Function:

● Precursor for hand-eye coordination.

● Encourages visual tracking and early hand awareness.

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Affects reaching behavior: Infant may have difficulty reaching across midline due to limb extension on the face side.

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Affects handwriting and coordination: In older children, it can interfere with crossing midline tasks and bilateral coordination.

Moro Reflex

Definition: A sudden extension of the head results in symmetrical abduction and extension of arms followed by adduction and flexion (“startle” reflex).

Moro Reflex

Cranial Integration: Mediated by vestibular and brainstem pathways.

Moro Reflex

Seen in sensory processing disorders as over-reactivity to stimuli

Moro Reflex

Asymmetry may suggest clavicle fracture or hemiplegia.

Galant Reflex

Definition: Stroking the infant’s skin along the side of the spine causes lateral trunk flexion toward the stimulated side.

Galant Reflex

Spinal Segment: T2–S1; primarily assesses thoracic-lumbar spinal integrity.

Galant Reflex

Used in scoliosis screening: persistent unilateral reflex may contribute to spinal asymmetry.

Babinski Reflex

Definition: Stroking the lateral sole results in dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes.

Babinski Reflex

Positive reaction is normal up to 2 years due to immature corticospinal tract.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Definition: Pressing the palm causes the infant to grasp the object tightly.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Asymmetry may indicate brachial plexus injury or hemiplegia.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Exaggerated response may be seen in hypertonia.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Assessment in toddlers includes offering object and observing for voluntary grasp vs reflexive.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

Definition:

● Supine position: Body extends.

● Prone position: Body flexes.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

Function: Integrates vestibular system with posture and tone regulation.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

In older children, affects classroom posture—difficulty sitting upright.

Rooting Reflex

Definition: Touching the cheek or mouth corner causes infant to turn head toward stimulus and open mouth.

Rooting Reflex

Cranial Nerve: CN V (Trigeminal) mediates sensation; CN VII (Facial) mediates motor response.

Rooting Reflex

Essential for breastfeeding.

Landau Reflex

Definition: When infant is held in horizontal prone suspension, the head, legs, and spine extend (“superman” posture).

Landau Reflex

Function: Facilitates postural control, head extension, and spinal alignment.

Landau Reflex

Absent in hypotonia or CNS depression.

Landau Reflex

Exaggerated in spasticity.

Landau Reflex

Important for developing trunk extension for crawling.

Plantar Grasp Reflex

Definition: Pressing sole near toes causes toes to curl downward.

Plantar Grasp Reflex

Function: Prepares for balance during standing.

Plantar Grasp Reflex

Delayed disappearance may be seen in hypertonic CP.

Plantar Grasp Reflex

Tested by gently pressing sole and observing toe flexion.

CN V (Trigeminal)

Mediates sensation

CN VII (Facial)

Mediates motor response