What Are Examples of Infantile Primitive Reflexes?
Discussion
As part of the normal developmental process of central nervous system maturation, primitive reflexes (i.e. infantile automatisms) occur which are automatic movement patterns which can begin during fetal development and continue after birth. Some appear important for human survival such as rooting and sucking to obtain nutrition. Others may be phylogenetic remnants. Primitive reflexes are present and disappear at predictable times and therefore can assist in evaluation of infant development. There is a range of normal and some can persist to older ages in some individuals. Primitive reflexes that occur before or after predicted times or that present asymmetrically on the body can potentially show abnormalities and therefore are important to note. Children and adults with various brain injuries or diseases also may show some of these primitive reflexes.
Learning Point
Examples of primitive reflexes include:
Rooting reflex
Mouth or cheek touched and infant turns head to that side
Present at birth
Disappears around 3-4 months, but can be seen in sleeping infants until 7-8 months
Sucking reflex
Sucking begins when nipple placed in infant’s mouth, or examiner’s finger is placed at the commissure of infant’s mouth
Present at birth
Disappears around 3-4 months, but can seen in sleeping infants until 7-8 months
Moro or Startle reflex
Infant is surprised/startled and the four limbs abduct and extend then abduct and flex. Infants will also extend the sp...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Pediatric Education Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news
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