The Moro reflex, also referred to as the startle reflex, is an involuntary motor response noticed in newborns and infants. It usually entails a sudden extension of the legs and arms, adopted by a drawing in of the limbs, usually accompanied by crying. Whereas this reflex is anticipated in early infancy, its persistence past a sure age could point out neurological points. Assessing for the presence or absence of this reflex in a toddler past the standard age of disappearance (normally round 4-6 months) entails observing the kid’s response to sudden stimuli, equivalent to a loud noise or a perceived lack of assist.
Analysis of retained primitive reflexes, together with the one described, is necessary as its persistence can affect motor growth, coordination, and sensory processing. Understanding the presence of such reflexes in older kids can present beneficial insights into potential developmental delays or underlying neurological circumstances. Traditionally, the analysis of those reflexes has been a cornerstone of pediatric neurological examinations, informing diagnoses and guiding therapeutic interventions.
