REFLEXES THE CODES OF NEUROLOGY

reflexesneurologytaskindumankapak21432

REFLEXES IN DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Ülgen Yalaz Tekan

Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, İstanbul, Türkiye

Yalaz Tekan ü. Reflexes in Developmental Assessment. In: Duman T, editor. Reflexes The Codes of Neurology. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.269-278.

ABSTRACT

Developmental reflexes are involuntary motor responses that occur in intrauterine life and are present at birth. These stereotyped reflexes, controlled by the brain stem, develop in response to specific sensory stimuli. These automatic movements meet basic needs in the early stages of life when purposeful behavior has not yet developed. Developmental reflexes not only increase the newborn’s chances of survival but also initiate interaction with the environment and pave the way for more complex motor system development. These reflexes, which play a role in the movement of the fetus through the birth canal, coordination between breathing and swallowing, and the acquisition of motor skills such as sucking, grasping, turning, creeping, and crawling, diminish and disappear over time with the maturation of the central nervous system. Developmental reflexes, which are mostly inhibited by the maturing cortex within the first year, are replaced by voluntary movements.

The examination of developmental reflexes is one of the oldest tools routinely used by physicians interested in the neurological development of the child to assess the integrity of the central nervous system. Although the time allocated to clinical evaluation has decreased compared to the past considering today’s technological possibilities, examination of developmental reflexes is thought to provide important information about the neurologic status of the infant, especially in the presence of perinatal risk factors. Reflex responses that are not detected during the period they should be present or that persist longer than expected are considered pathological. In addition, reflex asymmetry is also considered an important finding as it may indicate a disparity in the development of the hemispheres. Studies have shown that pathologic findings of developmental reflexes may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. In particular, the Moro reflex and the plantar grasp reflex have been reported to be highly diagnostically predictive.

This chapter aims to provide clinicians with both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance in the evaluation of developmental reflexes. The definitions, examination methods, and clinical significance of basic reflexes such as grasp reflex, Moro reflex, sucking reflex, and galant reflex are comprehensively discussed in the chapter. The normal course of each reflex and the effects of abnormal findings on neurological development are highlighted. In addition, the critical role of reflexes in the diagnosis and follow-up of early neurological disorders is emphasized.

Keywords: Child development; Reflex; Abnormal; Cerebral palsy; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Neurologic examination

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