Neonatal reflexes

Neonatology

1. NEONATAL REFLEXES Dr Hafiz zayn zafar (PGT Rehab Medicine)

2. INTRODUCtION A reflex is an Involuntary response to a Specific Stimulus Thererfore , Neonatal reflexes are involuntary responses to different stimuli present in normal neonates They can be defined as actions in response to particular stimuli originating in cns of normal infants but not neurologically intact Adults

3. Reflex Age of Disappearance Blinking or Glabellar Never Palmar Grasp 9 months Rooting and Sucking 3 months Moro 6 months Asymmetric Tonic Neck 9 months Plantar Grasp 9 months Parachute Never

4. Blinking Or Glabellar Reflex Stimulus: Bright Light, Puff of Air or Tapping the Glabella (area between both eyes and above nose) Response: The baby Blinks his/her eyes

5. PalMAR GRAsP StIMULUS : Place Your finger in Palm of the baby Response: The Baby will grasp your finger tight by closing his/her Hand

6. PlantAR GRAsP StIMULUS : Place your finger at the sole of the foot Response: The Baby will plantarflex the foot

7. Rooting or sucking reflex StIMULUS : stroke the corner of the mouth of alert baby Response: The Baby will turn the face towards side of stroking in pursuit of feed

8. MORO reflex StIMULUS : In Supine position, allow the neck to suddenly extend or fall back a little Response: The Baby will Extend and Abduct both his/her upper limbs initially and adduct in the end

9. Asymmetric tonic neck reflex StIMULUS : In Supine position, rotate the head laterally 45 to 90 degrees Response: The baby will extend limbs on the side of the chin and flex limb on the opposite side

10. symmetric tonic neck reflex StIMULUS : Extend the head while holding the baby in prone position Response: The baby will extend both upper limbs and flex both lower limbs

11. parachute reflex StIMULUS : Hold baby in suspended prone position and suddenly lower him/her towards couch Response: The Arms and legs extend and baby assumes shape of a parachute as defence mechanism

12. IMPORTANCE They are vital in assessment of the development of baby They can be used to recognize possible neurodevelopmental damage in perinatal and prenatal Area They are important to predict prognosis and potential of the child

13. THANK YOU Healthy babies turn into healthy Adults