Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Moro reflex Neonate

Overview Treatment

Moro reflex

Alternative Names: Startle response; Startle reflex; Embrace reflex Home Care: It is not necessary to check for a Moro reflex at home. Your doctor will check this reflex during an office visit. Call your health care provider if: Text Continues Below Call your health care provider if you think your baby may have a fractured clavicle (shoulder bone) or a brachial plexus injury, which can cause the loss of the Moro reflex on one side. What to expect at your health care provider's office: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Medical history questions may include: History of the labor and birth Detailed family history Other symptoms Note: An abnormal Moro reflex is usually discovered by the health care provider. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION The Moro reflex will be evaluated. The muscular system and nervous system may need to have detailed examination, if the reflex is absent or abnormal. Diagnostic tests, in cases of decreased or absent reflex, may include: Clavicle or shoulder joint x-ray Tests for disorders associated with brachial plexus injury AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER You may want to add a diagnosis related to an abnormal Moro reflex to your child's personal medical record. References: Zafeiriou DI. Primitive reflexes and postural reactions in the neurodevelopmental examination. Pediatr Neurol. 2004; 31(1): 1-8. Bear LM. Early identification of infants at risk for developmental disabilities. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004; 51(3): 685-701.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.