Muscle stretch reflexes in the older child. These were previously referred to as "deep tendon reflexes" and are usually examined with the use of a reflex hammer. The infant's fingers or toes will curl around a finger placed in the area. This reflex normally goes away after 6 months of age. If the head is passively turned to one side, the arm on that side will extend, with the other arm flexing at the elbow and shoulder. The newborn is tested lying down with face up. This reflex normally is gone after 6 months of age. A quick change in the infant's position will cause the infant to throw the arms outward, open the hands, and throw back the head. If the infant is placed on his or her stomach, he or she will make crawling motions. It is considered abnormal for this reflex to remain present after 2 years.Ĭrawling. This response usually disappears after a year of age. Normally, as an infant's foot is stroked, the toes will extend upward. Plantar reflex (also known as Babinski reflex). An infant will close his and her eyes in response to bright lights. Each of these reflexes disappears at a certain age as the infant grows. In newborns and infants, reflexes called infant reflexes (or primitive reflexes) are evaluated. Newborn and infant reflexes. There are different types of reflexes that may be tested. The healthcare provider may touch the child's legs, arms, or other parts of the body and have him or her identify the sensation (for example, hot or cold, sharp or dull). This may be done by using different instruments, such as dull needles, tuning forks, alcohol swabs, or other objects. Sensory exam. Your child's healthcare provider may also do a sensory test that checks your child's ability to feel. Your child's joints may also be checked simply by passive (done by the healthcare provider) and active (done by the child) movement. Balance may be checked by assessing how the child stands and walks or having the older child stand with his or her eyes closed while being gently pushed to one side or the other. The child may be asked to squeeze fingers or hop, skip, or jump. Motor function and balance. This may be tested by having the older child push and pull against the healthcare provider's hands with his or her arms and legs. This is usually done by your child's healthcare provider just by observing the child during normal interactions. The older child will also be observed for clear speech and making sense while talking. Mental status. Mental status (the child's level of awareness and interaction with the environment) may be assessed by watching the infant interact with the parent, or by asking the older child to follow directions or answer questions appropriately. The following is an overview of some of the areas that may be tested and evaluated during a neurological exam: In infants and younger children, a neurological exam includes the measurement of the head circumference. The circulation to the brain, arising from the arteries in the neck, is also frequently examined. The nervous system regulates the muscles. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, 12 nerves that come from the brain, and the nerves that come from the spinal cord. The nervous system is very complex and controls many parts of the body.
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