The Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, is an involuntary motor response noticed in newborns and infants. It sometimes includes a sudden extension of the legs and arms, adopted by a drawing in of the limbs, typically accompanied by crying. Whereas this reflex is predicted in early infancy, its persistence past a sure age could point out neurological points. Assessing for the presence or absence of this reflex in a toddler past the everyday age of disappearance (often round 4-6 months) includes observing the kid’s response to sudden stimuli, corresponding to a loud noise or a perceived lack of assist.
Analysis of retained primitive reflexes, together with the one described, is vital as its persistence can affect motor improvement, coordination, and sensory processing. Understanding the presence of such reflexes in older kids can present invaluable insights into potential developmental delays or underlying neurological situations. Traditionally, the analysis of those reflexes has been a cornerstone of pediatric neurological examinations, informing diagnoses and guiding therapeutic interventions.
