Infant primitive reflexes and possible effects if reflex persists abnormally

Question 1

what are the 12 primitive reflexes?

Answer 1

sucking reflex
galant reflex
positive support reflex
walking (stepping) reflex
rooting reflex
palmar grasp reflex
moro reflex
startle reflex
asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)
tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)
plantar grasp reflex
symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)

Question 2

what is the stimulus and typical response of the galant reflex?

Answer 2

stimulus: touch skin along the spine from shoulder to hip
response: lateral flexion of the trunk to the side of the stimulus

Question 3

what is the normal age of response of the galant reflex?

Answer 3

30 weeks gestation to 2 months

Question 4

when does the galant reflex typically appear?

Answer 4

30 weeks gestation

Question 5

when does the galant reflex typically integrate?

Answer 5

2 months

Question 6

what possible negative effects can occur if the galant reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 6

interference with development of sitting balance
can lead to scoliosis

Question 7

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with development of sitting balance and can lead to scoliosis?

Answer 7

galant reflex

Question 8

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching the skin along an infant’s spine from shoulder to hip. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 8

galant reflex

Question 9

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching the skin along a 1 month old infant’s spine from shoulder to hip. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 9

lateral flexion of the trunk to the side of the stimulus

Question 10

what is the stimulus and typical response of the positive support reflex?

Answer 10

stimulus: weight placed on balls of feet when upright
response: stiffening of legs and trunk into extension

Question 11

what is the normal age of response of the positive support reflex?

Answer 11

35 weeks gestation to 2 months

Question 12

when does the positive support reflex typically appear?

Answer 12

35 weeks gestation

Question 13

when does the positive support reflex typically integrate?

Answer 13

2 months

Question 14

what possible negative effects can occur if the positive support reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 14

interference with standing and walking
interference with balance reactions and weight shifting in standing
can lead to contractures of ankles into PF

Question 15

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with standing and walking, balance reactions and weight shifting in standing and can lead to contractures of the ankles into PF?

Answer 15

positive support reflex

Question 16

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by holding an infant upright, placing weight on the balls of their feet. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 16

positive support reflex

Question 17

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by holding a 1 month old infant upright, placing weight on the balls of their feet. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 17

stiffening of the trunk and legs into extension

Question 18

what is the stimulus and typical response of the walking (stepping) reflex?

Answer 18

stimulus: supported upright position with soles of feet on firm surface
response: reciprocal flexion/extension of the legs

Question 19

what is the normal age of response of the walking (stepping) reflex?

Answer 19

38 weeks of gestation to 2 months

Question 20

when does the walking (stepping) reflex typically appear?

Answer 20

38 weeks of gestation

Question 21

when does the walking (stepping) reflex typically integrate?

Answer 21

2 months

Question 22

what possible negative effects can occur if the walking (stepping) reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 22

interference with standing and walking
interference with balance reactions and weight shifting in standing
interference with development of smooth, coordinated reciprocal BLE movements

Question 23

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with standing and walking, balance reactions and weight shifting in standing and development of smooth, coordinated reciprocal BLE movements?

Answer 23

walking (stepping) reflex

Question 24

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by placing an infant in a supported, upright position with the soles of their feet placed on a firm surface. What primitive reflex are they testing?

Answer 24

walking (stepping) reflex

Question 25

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by placing a 1 month old infant in a supported, upright position with the soles of their feet placed on a firm surface. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 25

reciprocal flexion/extension of the legs (looks like they are taking steps)

Question 26

what is the stimulus and typical response of the rooting reflex?

Answer 26

stimulus: touch on cheek response: turning head to same side with mouth open

Question 27

what is the normal age of response of the rooting reflex?

Answer 27

28 weeks of gestation to 3 months

Question 28

when does the rooting reflex typically appear?

Answer 28

28 weeks of gestation

Question 29

when does the rooting reflex typically integrate?

Answer 29

3 months

Question 30

what possible negative effects can occur if the rooting reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 30

interference with oral-motor development interference with development of midline control of head interference with optical righting, visual tracking and social interaction

Question 31

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with oral-motor development, optical righting, visual tracking, social interaction and development of midline control of head?

Answer 31

rooting reflex

Question 32

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching the cheek of an infant. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 32

rooting reflex

Question 33

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching the cheek of a 2 month old infant. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 33

turning head to side of stimulus with mouth open

Question 34

what is the stimulus and typical response of the palmar grasp reflex?

Answer 34

stimulus: pressure in palm on ulnar side of hand response: flexion of fingers causing strong grip

Question 35

what is the normal age of response of the palmar grasp reflex?

Answer 35

birth to 4 months

Question 36

when does the palmar grasp reflex typically appear?

Answer 36

at birth

Question 37

when does the palmar grasp reflex typically integrate?

Answer 37

4 months

Question 38

what possible negative effects can occur if the palmar grasp reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 38

interference with ability to voluntarily grasp and release objects interference with weight bearing on open hand for propping, crawling and protective responses

Question 39

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with the ability to voluntarily grasp and release objects and weight bear on an open palm for propping, crawling and protective reactions?

Answer 39

palmar grasping reflex

Question 40

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by putting pressure in the palm on the ulnar side of an infant's hand. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 40

palmar grasp reflex

Question 41

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by putting pressure in the palm on the ulnar side of a 3 month old infant's hand. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 41

flexion of the fingers causing strong grip

Question 42

what is the stimulus and expected response of the moro reflex?

Answer 42

stimulus: head dropping into extension suddenly for a few inches response: arms abduct with fingers open, then cross trunk into adduction; cry

Question 43

what is the normal age of response of the moro reflex?

Answer 43

28 weeks of gestation to 5 months

Question 44

when does the moro reflex typically appear?

Answer 44

28 weeks of gestation

Question 45

when does the moro reflex typically integrate?

Answer 45

5 months

Question 46

what possible negative effects can occur if the moro reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 46

interference with balance reactions in sitting interference with protective response in sitting interference with eye-hand coordination, visual tracking

Question 47

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with balance reactions and protective reactions in sitting, eye-hand coordination and visual tracking?

Answer 47

moro reflex

Question 48

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by dropping an infant's head suddenly into extension for a few inches. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 48

moro reflex

Question 49

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by dropping a 4 month old infant's head suddenly into extension for a few inches. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 49

BUE abduction with fingers open then crossing the trunk into adduction; crying

Question 50

what is the stimulus and typical response of the startle reflex?

Answer 50

stimulus: sudden, loud noise response: arms abduct with elbows flexed and fingers closed, then arms cross trunk into adduction with elbows remaining flexed and fingers remaining closed; cry

Question 51

what is the normal age of response of the startle reflex?

Answer 51

28 weeks of gestation to 5 months

Question 52

what possible negative effects can occur if the startle reflex abnormally persists?

Answer 52

interference with sitting balance interference with protective reactions in sitting interference with eye-hand coordination, visual tracking interference with social interaction, attention

Question 53

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interference with sitting balance, protective reactions in sitting, eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, social interaction and attention?

Answer 53

startle reflex

Question 54

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on an infant by making a sudden, loud noise. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 54

startle reflex

Question 55

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on a 4 month old infant by making a sudden, loud noise. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 55

arms move into abduction with elbows flexed and fingers closed then move across the trunk into adduction with elbows remaining flexed and fingers remaining closed; crying

Question 56

what is the stimulus and expected response of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)?

Answer 56

stimulus: head position-head turned to one side response: arm and leg on face side are extended, arm and leg on scalp side are flexed, spine curved with convexity toward face side

Question 57

what is the normal age of response of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)?

Answer 57

birth to 6 months

Question 58

what possible negative effects can occur with abnormal persistence of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)?

Answer 58

interference with: visual tracking rolling development of crawling can lead to skeletal deformities (scoliosis, hip subluxation, hip dislocation)

Question 59

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with visual tracking, rolling and development of crawling and can lead to skeletal deformities like scoliosis, hip subluxation and/or hip dislocation?

Answer 59

asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)

Question 60

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on an infant by using a light up toy to encourage the infant to turn their head to one side. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 60

asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)

Question 61

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on a 5 month old infant by using a light up toy to encourage the infant to turn their head to one side. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 61

arm and leg on face side extend, arm and leg on scalp side flex and spine curves with convexity toward face side

Question 62

what is the stimulus and typical response of the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)?

Answer 62

stimulus: position of labyrinth in inner ear- reflected in head position response: in supine- body and extremities are held in extension in prone- body and extremities are held in flexion

Question 63

what is the normal age of response of the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)?

Answer 63

birth to 6 months

Question 64

when does the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR) typically appear?

Answer 64

at birth

Question 65

when does the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR) typically integrate?

Answer 65

6 months

Question 66

what possible negative effects can occur if the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR) abnormally persists?

Answer 66

interference with: ability to initiate rolling ability to prop on elbows with extended hips in prone ability to flex trunk and hips to come to sitting position from supine often causes full body extension, which interferes with sitting and standing balance

Question 67

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with the ability to initiate rolling, prop on elbows with hips extended in prone, flex trunk and hips to come to sit from supine and often causes full body extension, interfering with sitting and standing balance?

Answer 67

tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)

Question 68

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on an infant and must consider the position of the labyrinth of the inner ear and; therefore, head position. What reflex is being test?

Answer 68

tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)

Question 69

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on a 5 month old infant and must consider the position of the labyrinth of the inner ear and; therefore, head position. What is the expected infant response once the assessment is performed in supine?

Answer 69

body and extremities held in extension

Question 70

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on a 5 month old infant and must consider the position of the labyrinth of the inner ear and; therefore, head position. What is the expected infant response once the assessment is performed in prone?

Answer 70

body and extremities held in flexion

Question 71

what is the stimulus and typical response of the plantar grasp reflex?

Answer 71

stimulus: pressure to base of toes response: toe flexion

Question 72

what is the normal age of response of the plantar grasp reflex?

Answer 72

28 weeks of gestation to 9 months

Question 73

when does the plantar grasp reflex typically appear?

Answer 73

28 weeks of gestation

Question 74

when does the plantar grasp reflex typically integrate?

Answer 74

9 months

Question 75

what possible negative effects can occur with abnormal persistence of the plantar grasp reflex?

Answer 75

interference with: ability to stand with feet flat on surface balance reactions and weight shifting in standing

Question 76

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with ability to stand with feet flat on surface and balance reactions and weight shifting in standing?

Answer 76

plantar grasp reflex

Question 77

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on an infant by applying pressure to the base of their toes. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 77

plantar grasp reflex

Question 78

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex on an 8 month old infant by applying pressure to the base of their toes. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 78

toe flexion

Question 79

what is the stimulus and typical response of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)?

Answer 79

stimulus: head position- flexion or extension response: head in flexion- arms are flexed and legs are extended head in extension- arms are extended and legs are flexed

Question 80

what is the normal age of response of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)?

Answer 80

6 to 12 months

Question 81

what possible negative effects can occur with abnormal persistence of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)?

Answer 81

interference with: ability to prop on arms in prone attaining and maintaining hands-and-knees position crawling reciprocally sitting balance when looking around use of hands when looking at object in hands in sitting

Question 82

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex can interfere with the ability to prop on elbows in prone, attain and maintain hands-and-knees position, crawl reciprocally, maintain sitting balance while looking and around and use hands when looking at object in hands in sitting?

Answer 82

symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)

Question 83

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by placing an infant's head into flexion or extension. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 83

symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR_

Question 84

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by placing a 10 month old infant's head into flexion. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 84

arms flex and legs extend

Question 85

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by placing a 10 month old infant's head into extension. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 85

arms extend and legs flex

Question 86

what is the stimulus and typical response of the sucking reflex?

Answer 86

stimulus: touch to lips or inside of mouth response: automatic sucking

Question 87

what is the normal age of response for the sucking reflex?

Answer 87

28 weeks of gestation to 2 months

Question 88

when does the sucking reflex typically appear?

Answer 88

28 weeks of gestation

Question 89

when does the sucking reflex typically integrate?

Answer 89

2 months

Question 90

what possible negative effects can occur with abnormal persistence of the sucking reflex?

Answer 90

interference with: oral-motor control speech and language development immature sucking patterns difficulty transitioning to solid foods/aversions risk of aspiration/choking suck-swallow-breathe coordination development of head control in midline orientation oral hypo/hypersensitivity

Question 91

abnormal persistence of what primitive reflex interferes with oral-motor control, speech and language development, suck-swallow-breathe coordination, development of head control in midline orientation and often results in immature sucking patterns, oral hypo/hypersensitivity, difficulty transitioning to solid foods/food aversions and increased risk for aspiration/choking?

Answer 91

sucking reflex

Question 92

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching an infant's lips. What reflex is being tested?

Answer 92

sucking reflex

Question 93

A physical therapist attempts to assess a primitive reflex by touching a 1month old infant's lips. What is the expected infant response?

Answer 93

automatic sucking

Question 94

presence of a primitive reflex is typically expected when? and indicative of what?

Answer 94

expected within a certain developmental window and indicative of CNS immaturity; automaticity of responses

Question 95

integration of a primitive reflex is typically expected when? and indicative of what?

Answer 95

expected as a certain developmental window ends/closes and indicative of CNS maturity higher brain centers inhibit primitive reflex, allowing for increased voluntary motor control

Question 96

absent (or abnormally early integration) primitive reflex is indicative of what?

Answer 96

neurological red flag; CNS hypotonia/delay ex. Down Syndrome

Question 97

persistent (failure to integrate) primitive reflex is indicative of what?

Answer 97

neurological red flag; CNS hypertonia/dysfunction ex. CP