Primary reflex persistence in children with partial hearing
Nuala Livingstone1, Martin McPhillips
1a Institute of Child Care Research, Queen's University Belfast , United Kingdom.
Developmental Neuropsychology
|April 19, 2014
Summary
Persistent asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) was found in children with partial hearing, alongside reading and spelling challenges. This suggests a link between retained primitive reflexes and developmental difficulties in this population.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex typically integrated in early infancy.
- Persistence of primitive reflexes is sometimes associated with developmental delays and learning difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ATNR persistence in children with partial hearing.
- To explore the relationship between ATNR persistence and core literacy skills in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children (aged 6-12 years) with partial hearing was recruited from special education units.
- Children underwent an upright ATNR test protocol.
- Standardized tests assessed reading and spelling abilities.
Main Results:
- Children with partial hearing demonstrated significant levels of ATNR persistence.
- These children also exhibited significant difficulties in reading and spelling.
- A correlation was observed between ATNR persistence and literacy deficits.
Conclusions:
- Persistence of the ATNR is common in children with partial hearing.
- This reflex persistence may be associated with motor and cognitive challenges, including literacy difficulties, in children with partial hearing.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Reflex Activity
5.1K
A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
5.1K
01:22Somatic Spinal Reflexes
7.8K
Somatic spinal reflexes are rapid, involuntary muscular responses to external stimuli that involve the somatic musculature and the spinal cord.
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
One of the most well-known somatic spinal reflexes is the stretch reflex, which is activated by the sudden stretching of a muscle. This reflex involves the activation of specialized sensory receptors called muscle spindles, which are located in the muscle tissue and detect changes in the length and speed of muscle contractions. When a muscle is suddenly...
7.8K
01:31Hearing
48.0K
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
48.0K
01:15Auditory Pathway
7.1K
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
7.1K
00:50Unrenewable Cells
2.1K
In humans, the photoreceptor cells of the eye and sensory hair cells of the ear lack stem cells. These cells are thus unrenewable and cannot be replaced when they are damaged or destroyed.
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
2.1K
01:26The Micturition Reflex
4.1K
Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
4.1K