Reflexes are involuntary movements the body makes in response to a stimulus. Certain primitive reflexes are present at or shortly after birth, but disappear at predictable stages of development as a child grows. Specific reflexes that do not fade away – or those that don’t develop as the child grows – can be a complication from cerebral palsy.
Common primitive reflexes that may improperly function or persist include, but are not limited to:
Asymmetrical tonic reflex – when the head turns, the legs on the same side will extend, and the opposite limbs contract like in a fencing pose. Asymmetrical tonic reflex should disappear around six months of age.
Symmetrical tonic neck reflex – the infant assumes a crawling position when the head is extended. Symmetrical tonic neck reflex should disappear between eight and 11 months.
Spinal gallant reflexes – when the infant lies on its stomach, the hips will turn towards the side of the body that is touched. Spinal gallant reflexes should disappear between three and nine months.
Tonic labyrinthine reflex – when the head is tilted back, the back arches, the legs straighten, and the arms bend. Tonic labyrinthine reflex should disappear by three-and-a-half years of age.
Palmer grasp reflex – when stimulating the palm the hand flexes in a grasping motion. Palmer grasp reflex should disappear around four to six months.
Placing reflex – when an infant is held upright and the back of a foot touches the surface, the legs will flex. Placing reflex should disappear by five months.
Moro (startle) reflex – when an infant is tilted so his or her legs are above their head, the arms will extend. Moro reflex should disappear by six months.
Not long ago, we discovered a specific therapy that addresses the reflex challenges caused by CP and other neurological conditions called Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) Method. MNRI is comprised of a number of programs, each designed to reinforce and optimize the integration of primary motor reflex patterns.
Initially, we traveled to Culver City and Orange County to get this treatment, which was not ideal both based on our lack of time for traveling and Emmy's trouble coping with car travel. But when the therapist began offering in-home treatments, we signed up and Emmy is now doing MNRI every Saturday for two hours at a time. The techniques don't require her to do much, she can even be asleep, so I don't feel so bad that I'm making her "work" on a weekend. There are times I think she even enjoys it, such as in this clip from today.
So is it working? Honestly, it's tough to say. Emerson is getting so many different treatments and therapies at any given time that it's impossible to know what's doing what. But I'll tell you, she has been making so much progress, especially in the last month or so, that it's impossible to ignore that some of that progress isn't the result of MNRI. It's such a complex therapy; the originator Svetlana Masgutova is brilliant and did an early assessment on Emmy that blew me away. But I've certainly seen her tolerance for the various exercises increase over the months and her ability to stay organized during the two hour appointments. And that counts for a lot. Would I recommend it to others, absolutely. All our kids are different and what might work for one, may not work for another and vice versa. So I think everything is worth a shot. Besides, any therapy we can do poolside and/or while asleep is pretty good in Emmy's book.
For more information or to locate a practitioner, visit http://masgutovamethod.com/
Emerson spends a significant amount of time in therapy, with doctors and trying special toys, equipment and products to suit her very specific needs and limitations. Along the way, we've found ourselves sharing what we learn with other parents of kids like Emmy and often are asked about our experiences and insights. This blog is meant to share our experiences while also celebrating Emerson's extraordinary progress. I hope she brings hope and inspiration to all who follow her journey.
Reflexes are involuntary movements the body makes in response to a stimulus. Certain primitive reflexes are present at or shortly after birth, but disappear at predictable stages of development as a child grows. Specific reflexes that do not fade away – or those that don’t develop as the child grows – can be a complication from cerebral palsy.
Common primitive reflexes that may improperly function or persist include, but are not limited to:
Asymmetrical tonic reflex – when the head turns, the legs on the same side will extend, and the opposite limbs contract like in a fencing pose. Asymmetrical tonic reflex should disappear around six months of age.
Symmetrical tonic neck reflex – the infant assumes a crawling position when the head is extended. Symmetrical tonic neck reflex should disappear between eight and 11 months.
Spinal gallant reflexes – when the infant lies on its stomach, the hips will turn towards the side of the body that is touched. Spinal gallant reflexes should disappear between three and nine months.
Tonic labyrinthine reflex – when the head is tilted back, the back arches, the legs straighten, and the arms bend. Tonic labyrinthine reflex should disappear by three-and-a-half years of age.
Palmer grasp reflex – when stimulating the palm the hand flexes in a grasping motion. Palmer grasp reflex should disappear around four to six months.
Placing reflex – when an infant is held upright and the back of a foot touches the surface, the legs will flex. Placing reflex should disappear by five months.
Moro (startle) reflex – when an infant is tilted so his or her legs are above their head, the arms will extend. Moro reflex should disappear by six months.
Not long ago, we discovered a specific therapy that addresses the reflex challenges caused by CP and other neurological conditions called Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) Method. MNRI is comprised of a number of programs, each designed to reinforce and optimize the integration of primary motor reflex patterns.
Initially, we traveled to Culver City and Orange County to get this treatment, which was not ideal both based on our lack of time for traveling and Emmy's trouble coping with car travel. But when the therapist began offering in-home treatments, we signed up and Emmy is now doing MNRI every Saturday for two hours at a time. The techniques don't require her to do much, she can even be asleep, so I don't feel so bad that I'm making her "work" on a weekend. There are times I think she even enjoys it, such as in this clip from today.
So is it working? Honestly, it's tough to say. Emerson is getting so many different treatments and therapies at any given time that it's impossible to know what's doing what. But I'll tell you, she has been making so much progress, especially in the last month or so, that it's impossible to ignore that some of that progress isn't the result of MNRI. It's such a complex therapy; the originator Svetlana Masgutova is brilliant and did an early assessment on Emmy that blew me away. But I've certainly seen her tolerance for the various exercises increase over the months and her ability to stay organized during the two hour appointments. And that counts for a lot. Would I recommend it to others, absolutely. All our kids are different and what might work for one, may not work for another and vice versa. So I think everything is worth a shot. Besides, any therapy we can do poolside and/or while asleep is pretty good in Emmy's book.
For more information or to locate a practitioner, visit http://masgutovamethod.com/
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