[Neurologic evaluation of unconditioned reflexes in the newborn]

The authors examined 197 neonates with different lesions of the brain and spinal cord. The conclusion was made that investigation of unconditioned reflexes can make a valuable contribution to the topical diagnosis. In cerebral lesions, search, sucking and lip reflexes disappear or dramatically reduce. In lesions of the cervical part of the spinal cord, these reflexes are preserved. However, grasp, Robinson's, Moro's, defense and palmarmouth reflexes disappear. In lesions of the lumbar enlargement, support, automatic walking, Perez's, Bauer's, jerk, crossed extension, and inferior grasp reflexes are absent, whereas the main reflexes are absolutely preserved. In the authors' opinion, the data obtained open up new potentialities in neurology of the newborn.