2. INTRODUCTION
Actions in response to specific stimuli that are present
in newborn infants.
These are unconditioned reflexes and not learned or
developed through experience.
Normally developing neonates or infants are expected
to respond to specific stimuli with a specific,
predictable behaviour or action.
3. MORO’S REFLEXE
ELICITED BY :
PLACING THE BABY IN SEMI UPRIGHT POSITION
↓
SUDDEN DROPING OF HEAD IN RELATION TO TRUNK AND
CATCHING THE FALLING HEAD
DISAPPEARS AT 3 TO 6 MTHS
4. RESPONSE
OPENING OF HAND
EXTENSION AND ABDUTION OF UPPER EXTRIMITIES
ANTERIOR FLEXION OF UPPER EXTRIMITIES
AUDIBLE CRY
6. STARTLE REFLEX
It is variant of Moro’s Reflex.
Ellicited by: sudden loud noise or by
tapping the sternum
Response is like Moro’s reflex but elbow
remain flexed and hands closed
7. PALMER GRASP
Elicited By: Placing finger or object in open
palm of each hand
Response: Infant grasp the object and with
attempted removal grip reinforced
8. Appears at 28 weeks of gestation and
disappears at 2-3 months of life
Persistence beyond 6mths: Athetoid CP
9. TONIC NECK REFLEX
ASYMMETRIC TONIC NECK REFLEX
Elicited By: Passive rotation of head in supine
position
Response: Extension of upper limb of same side
and flexion of upper limb of opposite side
10. Appears at birth and disappear at 3
months
Persistence > 3 months: Spastic CP
Importance: Prevents body from rolling
11. TONIC NECK REFLEX
SYMMETRIC TONIC NECK REFLEX
Elicited By: Passive extension of head in prone
position
Response: Extension of both UL & flexion of
both LL
12. Appears in 3 mths and disappear in 6mths
Persistence > 6mths : CP
Importance: When baby learn to turn to prone position
chocking over bed may asphyxiate him so if baby lift his
chin by extension of neck both upper limbs extend
automatically and chocking avoided.
13. GALANT REFLEX
• Elicited By: Holding the child in ventral suspension
or placed in prone position and running finger
down in paravertebral area on one side
• Response: Swinging of pelvis towards stimulated
side
14. • Appears at birth disappear by 1 year
• Used for mapping sensory level of trunk
15. PEREZ REFLEX
Elicited By: Holding the child in prone position
and pressure applied upword along spine.
Response: Flexion of arms and legs with
extension of neck and cry
Appear at birth and disappear at 6 weeks
16. TRACTION RESPONSE
Grasp the baby at his wrist and finger and pull
to sit
Response: Certain degree of head control is
demonstrated and head is brought forward
actively
17. ADDUCTION RESPONSE
Elicited by: holding leg of baby in extension and
sole of foot is rubbed
Response: the other leg first withdraw and then
extend with fanning of toes and bring toward the
side of stimulation (as to push the noxious
stimulus)
18. ROOTING REFLEX
(SEARCH REFLEX)
Elicited By: Touching the corner of mouth
lightly with finger
Response: Bottom lip is lowered on same side
and tongue moves towards the point of
stimulation as finger slides away head turns to
find it.
19. Appear 28 week & disappear 4-7 mths
Importance:
Absence at birth and persistence beyond 7
months indicate developmental delay
Helps the baby for finding the breast
20. SUCKING REFLEX
Elicited By: Introducing finger into babies mouth
Response: Baby starts sucking vigorously
Appear at 28 week disappear at 4-7 months
Absence sucking at birth indicate sickness,
persistence beyond 7 mths developmental delay
21. LANDAU REFLEX
Elicited By: Holding the child in ventral
suspension
Response: Extension of head, spine and
legs
22. Appear at 3 months disappear at 9 months
Absence beyond 3 mths indicate motor
weakness, mental sub normality & CP
23. PARACHUTE REFLEX
Elicited By: Holding the child in ventral
suspension and suddenly brought down the
baby towards ground from height
Response: Extension of both UL in attempt to
avoid injury
24. Appears at 6-9 months persists life long.
Absent in CP and hemiplegia of affected limb
25. PLACING REFLEX
Elicited by: Bringing the anterior aspect of tibia
against edge of table
Response: Lifts leg on the table
Appear at birth and disapper
at 6 weeks.
26. WALKING REFLEX
• Elicited by: holding the baby upright
over the table so that sole of foot
presses against the table
• Response: Reciprocal flexion and
extension of leg simulating walking
• Appears at birth and disappear at 6
week
27. PALMOMENTAL REFLEX
• Elicited by: Pressing the palm
• Response: Opening of mouth
• Appear at birth and disappear at
3 year
28. CONCLUSION
Knowledge of neonatal reflexes is important for
Understanding the human development as a
whole.
Application for over all assessment of baby
Recognition of possible neurodevelopemental
damage in prenatal and perinatal period.
Establishment of the prognosis for future
Predicting the Childs future potential
