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The tonic neck reflex in the human infant

1938; Elsevier BV; Volume: 13; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0022-3476(38)80169-4

1097-6833

Arnold Gesell,

Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments

Summary 1.The tonic neck reflex (T.N.R.) is an asymmetric postural attitude, so basic that it is found in lower animals as well as in man. It involves the total action system, but particularly arms and head. 2.It is a normal characteristic of the human infant during the first 12 weeks of waking life, spontaneously manifested in the supine position. At 20 weeks it is normally supplanted by symmetric head and arm postures. 3.Marked persistence of the T.N.R. beyond the first half year is indicative of retarded, arrested, or defective development. 4.In association with basal ganglion lesions it is a prognostic indication that the child will not “learn” to walk. 5.The T.N.R. is a natural but not a stereotyped reflex. It undergoes progressive growth changes. It serves useful adjustments in the fetus as well as the infant in neonatal life. It is morphogenetically so fundamental that it has clinical value both as an index of maturity and as a symptom of neurological abnormalities. Summary 1.The tonic neck reflex (T.N.R.) is an asymmetric postural attitude, so basic that it is found in lower animals as well as in man. It involves the total action system, but particularly arms and head. 2.It is a normal characteristic of the human infant during the first 12 weeks of waking life, spontaneously manifested in the supine position. At 20 weeks it is normally supplanted by symmetric head and arm postures. 3.Marked persistence of the T.N.R. beyond the first half year is indicative of retarded, arrested, or defective development. 4.In association with basal ganglion lesions it is a prognostic indication that the child will not “learn” to walk. 5.The T.N.R. is a natural but not a stereotyped reflex. It undergoes progressive growth changes. It serves useful adjustments in the fetus as well as the infant in neonatal life. It is morphogenetically so fundamental that it has clinical value both as an index of maturity and as a symptom of neurological abnormalities.