Moro Reflex and Startle Pattern

The Moro reflex: insights into the pathophysiology of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and infantile spasms

“…Emphasizing the final arch‐like adduction of the arms, Moro called this phenomenon “Umklammerungreflex” (embracing or clasping reflex), suggesting – in analogy with the behaviour of newborn apes – that it was a behavioural pattern allowing infants to clasp their mothers [2]. However, it was later recognized that the main component of the Moro reflex (MR) is the abduction and extensions of the arms, rather than their adduction [2‐4] ( supplementary figure 1, video 1 ). Furthermore, the extension and abduction of the legs are not always present [2], and motor responses of the lower limbs are widely variable [5].…”

The Moro reflex: insights into the pathophysiology of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and infantile spasms

“…Emphasizing the final arch‐like adduction of the arms, Moro called this phenomenon “Umklammerungreflex” (embracing or clasping reflex), suggesting – in analogy with the behaviour of newborn apes – that it was a behavioural pattern allowing infants to clasp their mothers [2]. However, it was later recognized that the main component of the Moro reflex (MR) is the abduction and extensions of the arms, rather than their adduction [2‐4] ( supplementary figure 1, video 1 ). Furthermore, the extension and abduction of the legs are not always present [2], and motor responses of the lower limbs are widely variable [5].…”

Hyperekplexia in neonates

“…It is a basic alerting reaction consisting of facial grimacing with blinking, followed by involuntary movements of head flexion, hunching of shoulders, adduction of the arms, and flexion of the trunk and the knees, causing falling without a protective reaction 910It appears in infancy at the same time as the Moro reflex, and becomes more noticeable as the Moro reflex disappears 11. When a pathologically exaggerated startle response interferes with normal activities, causing apnoea and frequent falls and injuries, the pathological state is termed as startle disease or hyperekplexia 3…”

Startle disease (hyperekplexia): a hereditary disorder with abnormal startle, falling spells, and attacks of spontaneous clonus

“…The association of startle disease with symphalangia has been described by Peter Camfield (personal communication). Apnea due to spasm of respiratory muscles may also occur; in a patient mentioned by Kurczynski,4 the apnea led to the child's death.…”

The Moro reflex: insights into the pathophysiology of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and infantile spasms

“…Emphasizing the final arch‐like adduction of the arms, Moro called this phenomenon “Umklammerungreflex” (embracing or clasping reflex), suggesting – in analogy with the behaviour of newborn apes – that it was a behavioural pattern allowing infants to clasp their mothers [2]. However, it was later recognized that the main component of the Moro reflex (MR) is the abduction and extensions of the arms, rather than their adduction [2‐4] ( supplementary figure 1, video 1 ). Furthermore, the extension and abduction of the legs are not always present [2], and motor responses of the lower limbs are widely variable [5].…”

Hyperekplexia in neonates

“…It is a basic alerting reaction consisting of facial grimacing with blinking, followed by involuntary movements of head flexion, hunching of shoulders, adduction of the arms, and flexion of the trunk and the knees, causing falling without a protective reaction 910It appears in infancy at the same time as the Moro reflex, and becomes more noticeable as the Moro reflex disappears 11. When a pathologically exaggerated startle response interferes with normal activities, causing apnoea and frequent falls and injuries, the pathological state is termed as startle disease or hyperekplexia 3…”

Startle disease (hyperekplexia): a hereditary disorder with abnormal startle, falling spells, and attacks of spontaneous clonus

“…The association of startle disease with symphalangia has been described by Peter Camfield (personal communication). Apnea due to spasm of respiratory muscles may also occur; in a patient mentioned by Kurczynski,4 the apnea led to the child's death.…”

The Moro reflex: insights into the pathophysiology of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures and infantile spasms

“…Emphasizing the final arch‐like adduction of the arms, Moro called this phenomenon “Umklammerungreflex” (embracing or clasping reflex), suggesting – in analogy with the behaviour of newborn apes – that it was a behavioural pattern allowing infants to clasp their mothers [2]. However, it was later recognized that the main component of the Moro reflex (MR) is the abduction and extensions of the arms, rather than their adduction [2‐4] ( supplementary figure 1, video 1 ). Furthermore, the extension and abduction of the legs are not always present [2], and motor responses of the lower limbs are widely variable [5].…”

Hyperekplexia in neonates

“…It is a basic alerting reaction consisting of facial grimacing with blinking, followed by involuntary movements of head flexion, hunching of shoulders, adduction of the arms, and flexion of the trunk and the knees, causing falling without a protective reaction 910It appears in infancy at the same time as the Moro reflex, and becomes more noticeable as the Moro reflex disappears 11. When a pathologically exaggerated startle response interferes with normal activities, causing apnoea and frequent falls and injuries, the pathological state is termed as startle disease or hyperekplexia 3…”

Startle disease (hyperekplexia): a hereditary disorder with abnormal startle, falling spells, and attacks of spontaneous clonus

“…The association of startle disease with symphalangia has been described by Peter Camfield (personal communication). Apnea due to spasm of respiratory muscles may also occur; in a patient mentioned by Kurczynski,4 the apnea led to the child's death.…”