Robyn: You got me going on this one now! LOL:)

>>Moro reflex
Considerations:
The Moro reflex may be demonstrated by placing the infant face up on a soft, padded surface. The arms are gently lifted with enough traction to just begin to remove the body weight from the pad (Note: the infant's body should not be lifted off the pad, only the weight removed). The arms are then released suddenly. The infant may have a "startled" look, and the arms fling out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. As the reflex ends the infant draws the arms back to the body, elbows flexed and then relaxes.

Common Causes:
This is a normal reflex present in newborn infants. Absence of the Moro reflex in an infant is abnormal. *****Presence of a Moro reflex in an older infant, child, or adult is also abnormal.

*********Two-sided absence of the Moro reflex suggests damage to the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord).

One-sided absence of the Moro reflex suggests the possibility of a fractured clavicle or injury to the brachial plexus , which can occur because of birth trauma. Conditions associated with brachial plexus injury include Erb's palsy and Erb-Duchenne paralysis .

The Moro reflex may be abnormally present in Tay-Sachs disease .

Note: *****There may be other causes of an abnormal Moro reflex. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints.

Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for an abnormal Moro reflex, occurring alone or *******in combination with other problems.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

you suspect your infant may have a fractured clavicle or a brachial plexus injury (causing loss of the Moro reflex on one side).


What to Expect:
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 personal medical record>>