Understanding Reflex Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy

According to CerebralPalsyTherapy.Net, about 8,000 babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. The condition affects the muscles, and in turn, reflexes. Doctors often test a baby's reflexes when checking for cerebral palsy.

Moro Reflex

• Babies under 6 months of age stretch their arms upward when they are put on their backs and have their legs tilted over their heads. If this reflex is still present after six months, it could be a sign of cerebral palsy.

Landau Reflex

• At 4 to 5 months, a baby held face down in a horizontal position should flex its head, neck and legs. If a baby has problems doing this, it may be a sign of cerebral palsy.

Placing Reflex

• Absence of the placing reflex could be a sign of muscle issues such as CP. When a baby's foot is placed on the edge of a surface, he should lift the foot and place it on the surface.

Grasping and Clasping

• Babies with normal reflexes should be able to clasp and grasp at objects. Babies with problems doing these things may have reflex problems related to cerebral palsy.

Gag Reflex

• An exaggerated gag reflex may also be a sign of cerebral palsy.