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The Bell`s phenomenon in newborns.
1Ophthalmology Department, King Hussein Medical Center, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan. Tel. +962 (2) 7240309.
Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|April 5, 2012
Summary
Bell`s phenomenon, a reflex indicating brainstem maturation, develops gradually in newborns. Full-term infants show significant improvement by 5 months, while preterm infants develop this reflex more slowly.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Bell`s phenomenon is an involuntary blinking reflex crucial for eye protection.
- Its development in newborns can indicate neurological maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track the developmental course of Bell`s phenomenon in full-term and preterm infants.
- To establish normative data for this reflex in early infancy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 300 healthy newborns (150 full-term, 150 preterm) was studied.
- Bell`s phenomenon response was graded using the Bell`s Phenomenon Scoring System (BPSS).
- Infants were assessed weekly for the first month, then monthly up to 5 months (full-term) or 2 months (preterm).
Main Results:
- Full-term infants showed a significant increase in full Bell`s phenomenon response (BPSS-2) from 16.7% at birth week to 88.7% by 5 months.
- Preterm infants had no full response at birth week; only 14% showed a full response by 4 weeks, and 34% by 2 months.
- These findings highlight differential maturation rates between full-term and preterm neonates.
Conclusions:
- The development of Bell`s phenomenon reflex is a key indicator of brainstem and extraocular muscle maturation.
- Routine neuro-ophthalmic assessment of Bell`s phenomenon is recommended for pediatricians and ophthalmologists.
- This reflex aids in evaluating the neurodevelopmental status of newborns.
