Early neuromotor reflexes in infancy

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
• Infant Motor Function Assessment

Background:

• Primitive reflexes are the earliest neurodevelopmental markers available for study.
• Motor milestones predict future motor function but appear later than primitive reflexes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of primitive reflexes as early neurodevelopmental markers.
• To equip pediatricians with a neuromotor tool for early detection of motor handicaps.

Main Methods:

• Clinical evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative aspects of primitive reflexes.
• Following the appearance and suppression times of primitive reflexes during the first six months of life.
• Observing sequential office visits for infant neuromotor assessments.

Main Results:

• Exaggeration or delayed suppression of primitive reflexes precedes delayed or deviant motor milestones.
• Primitive reflexes are available at birth for clinical evaluation.
• Infants are closely followed during the first six months of life.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with primitive reflexes aids pediatricians in early detection of motor handicaps.
• Standardization of intrauterine primitive reflex profiles may identify high-risk fetuses.
• Non-invasive roentgenographic techniques can foster the study of intrauterine primitive reflexes.