Question

Assessment of neo-natal reflexes helps to determine:

• A. Intelligence Quotient
• B. Neurological difficulties
• C. Newborn's attachment with mother
• D. Low birth weight infants

Hint:

Reflexes are the "Window to the Newborn Brain." If the reflex is missing or stays too long, something might be wrong with the nervous system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the clinical significance of testing involuntary newborn movements (reflexes) like Rooting, Sucking, and Moro.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Neo-natal reflexes are built-in physical responses to specific stimuli. They are controlled by the lower brain centers (brainstem).

• As the higher brain centers (cortex) develop, these reflexes should gradually disappear (inhibit) during the first year of life.

• The absence of a reflex at birth, its persistence beyond the normal age, or its reappearance later in life are major red flags for neurological difficulties (B).

• For example, an absent Moro reflex might indicate brain damage or a spinal cord injury.

• Reflexes cannot measure IQ (A), which is a cognitive measure developed much later, nor do they directly measure emotional attachment (C). While short-stature/LBW infants (D) are tested, the primary reason for the reflex test is to check the central nervous system's integrity.

Step 3: Final Answer: Assessment of reflexes helps determine neurological difficulties.