Introduction: Primitive reflexes

Medri Vodcast: Neonatology

The findings during the neurological examination in infancy, especially in the newborn period, differ markedly from those present in children and adults. There are number of specific reflex activities so called infantile automatisms, found in the normal newborn that disappear in early infancy. Reflexes are an involuntary muscle reactions to a certain type of stimulation and their absence in the neonate, or the persistence of some beyond their expected time of disappearance may indicate severe central nervous system dysfunctions.