Paediatrics pptx

1. 1
DICM 213:NEONATOLOGY AND
CHILD HEALTH (3 CHRS)
Assessing Reflexes

2. Newborn reflexes
 , also known as baby reflexes or infant reflexes, are normal and are crucial
for a baby’s survival.
 They are the baby’s muscle reactions, involuntary movements or neurological
responses to stimulation or triggers which may include sound, light, sudden
movement and being stroked or touched.

3. Newborn Reflexes
 Newborn reflexes originate in the central nervous system and are exhibited by
infants at birth but disappear as part of child development
 Neurological disease or delayed development is indicated if these reflexes are
not present at birth,
 do not spontaneously resolve, or reappear in adulthood.

4. Why Are Reflexes Important?
 Clinicans and nurses check baby reflexes to determine if a baby’s brain and
nervous system are functioning properly.
 If you notice abnormal reflexes in your child, please see a doctor as these
may indicate a dysfunction in the central nervous system.

5. Common newborn reflexes include
 sucking,
 rooting,
 palmar grasp,
 plantar grasp,
 Babinski Reflex
 , Moro,
 and tonic neck reflexes.

6. Babinski Reflex
 A reflex demonstrated by the fanning of toes with the great toe pointed
toward the back (dorsum) of the foot. In adults,
 the Babinski response is considered abnormal and an indication of motor
neuron disease.
 The Babinski reflex usually lasts until the child is about two years old, but for
some, it goes away after a year.

7. Babinski Reflex
 The Babinski reflex occurs after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked.
The big toe then moves upward or toward the top surface of the foot. The
other toes fan out. Babinski reflex is one of the normal reflexes in infants and
in children up to 2 years old.

9. Sucking Reflex
 The sucking reflex is common to all mammals and is present at birth. It is
linked with the rooting reflex and breastfeeding.
 It causes the child to instinctively suck anything that touches the roof of their
mouth and simulates the way a child naturally eats.
 The sucking reflex usually lasts until the baby is four months old.

11. Rooting Reflex
 The rooting reflex assists in the act of breastfeeding.
 A newborn infant will turn its head toward anything that strokes its cheek or
mouth,
 searching for the object by moving its head in steadily decreasing arcs until
the object is found.
 The rooting reflex in babies usually lasts for about four months. After that,
rooting becomes a voluntary response rather than a reflex.

13. Palmar and Plantar Grasps
 When an object is placed in an infant’s hand and the palm of the child is
stroked, the fingers will close reflexively, referred to as the palmar grasp
reflex.
 A similar reflexive action occurs if an object is placed on the plantar surface
of an infant’s foot, referred to as the plantar grasp reflex
 The grasp reflex may last until the baby is about five to six months old.

14. Figure 6.46 Newborn Palmer Grasp
Reflex

15. Moro Reflex
 The Moro reflex is present at birth and is often stimulated by a loud noise.
 The Moro reflex occurs when the legs and head of the infant extend while
the arms jerk up and out with the palms up.
 The Moro or startle reflex usually lasts until the baby is about five to six
months old.

16. Newborn Moro Reflex

17. Tonic Neck Reflex
 The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, also known as the “fencing posture,”
occurs when the child’s head is turned to the side.
 The arm on the same side as the head is turned will straighten and the
opposite arm will bend.
 Tonic neck reflex may last until the baby is around five to six months old.

18. Tonic Neck Reflex

19. Walking-Stepping Reflex
 Although infants cannot support their own weight, when the soles of their
feet touch a surface,
 it appears as if they are attempting to walk by placing one foot in front of the
other foot.
 The stepping reflex often lasts for about two months.

21. What Types of Reflexes May Last Into
Adulthood?
 Both babies and adults may experience the following types of reflexes:

22. Blinking Reflex
 This type of reflex happens when the eyes blink due to sudden intense light or
when they are touched.

23. Cough Reflex
 Coughing happens as a defensive reflex to heat, acid and other foreign bodies
in the airways

24. Gag Reflex
 Gagging, or the gag reflex, happens when the back of the mouth or the throat
is stimulated whether through choking, when it is touched, etc.

25. Sneeze Reflex
 A person sneezes when the nasal passages get irritated.

26. Yawn Reflex
 When the body requires more oxygen, yawn reflex occurs