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MRCPCH Clinical: Development

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Assessment of gross motor development » Essays
You have just examined Joseph who is 7 months old. He has a persistent moro reflex and is fisting. Name some primitive reflexes and tell me when you expect them to disappear.
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Primitive reflexes
Moro reflex 

Disappears by 3-5months. -Sudden flexion of the neck initiates the reflex.
-Rapid abduction and extension of the arms
-The hand opens
-The hand come together again towards the midline


Palmar grasp reflex Disappears by 2-4months The hand closes when the palm is stimulated


Plantar grasp  disappears by 12-15months -The toes curl inwards and the foot closes when the sole is stimulated


Walking reflex  disappears by 6-8weeks.- When the sole of the foot is placed against a couch the baby takes some steps


Placing reflex disappears by 6-8weeks -Front of the leg below the knee placed in contact with the side of a table the baby places his leg on the table


Asymmetric tonic reflex disappears by 3-6months- with the baby supine and the head to one side, the arm and the leg on the side facing the occiput flex while the other arm and leg extend


Rooting reflex disappears by 6-8weeks- Mouth opens and moves towards the hand when the sides of the mouth are stroked


Gallant reflex disappears by 3months- When held in ventral suspension. Stroke along the side of the spine. The back turns to the simulated side