Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups
Published on: April 24, 2017
Prevalence of Active Primitive Reflexes and Craniosacral Blocks in Apparently Healthy Children and Relationships with
Gema León-Bravo1, Irene Cantarero-Carmona2, Javier Caballero-Villarraso3,4,5
1Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba,14004 Córdoba, Spain.
Insights
Primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) are common in healthy children and linked to neurodevelopmental issues. Early detection of these anomalies is crucial for addressing potential behavioral and developmental challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The prevalence and impact of persistent primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) in healthy children are largely unknown.
- Potential links to neurodevelopment, behavioral disorders, and other consequences require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anomalous PRs and CBs in apparently healthy children.
- To explore the relationships between these anomalies and neurodevelopmental or behavioral issues.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 120 children underwent physical examinations for PRs and CBs.
- Parental surveys collected perinatal data, and teacher-administered Battelle scores assessed behavioral development.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of PRs (89.5%) and CBs (83.2%) were observed.
- Specific PRs (Moro, cervical asymmetric/symmetric) and CBs (dura mater, sphenoid bone) were frequently detected.
- PRs and CBs correlated with perinatal complications and abnormal Battelle scores, indicating neurobehavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- Persistent primitive reflexes and craniosacral blocks are frequent in children without diagnosed conditions.
- These anomalies are associated with disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.
Background:
In healthy children, the frequency of the anomalous persistence of primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) is unknown, as well as their impact on neurodevelopment, behaviour disorders and related consequences. We aim to know the prevalence of anomalous PRs and CBs in apparently healthy children and their relationships with behavior and neurodevelopment anomalies.
Methods:
Participants (n = 120) were evaluated via a physical examination to detect PRs and CBs and an ad hoc parent survey to collect perinatal events, and children's behavioral assessments were conducted by teachers using the Battelle score.
Results:
PRs were present in 89.5%. Moro (70.8%), cervical asymmetric (78.3%) and cervical symmetric PRs (67.5%) were the most frequently observed PRs. CBs were found in 83.2%, and the most frequent CBs were dura mater (77.5%) and sphenoid bone (70%) blocks. Moro, cervical asymmetric and cervical symmetric active primitive reflexes were significantly associated with cranial blocks of dura mater, parietal zones and sphenoid bone sway. Gestational disorders or perinatal complications were associated with a higher frequency of PRs and CBs. The presence of PRs and CBs was associated with abnormal Battelle scores and neurobehavioral problems.
Conclusion:
The presence of PRs and CBs in children without diagnosed diseases is frequent and related to disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Reflex Activity
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
01:22Somatic Spinal Reflexes
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...