Persisting Primary Reflexes: Galant Reflex

The Galant reflex is a primitive reflex that is typically present in infants and should integrate by the age of 4 months. The reflex is assessed by holding the infant in a prone position and stroking along the spine, which should result in the infant bending towards the side of the stimulus. In the presence of a persisting Galant reflex, the infant will instead arch their back towards the side of the stimulus. The assessment of the Galant reflex is typically done by a pediatrician or a neurologist.

Persisting Galant Reflex

The persisting Galant reflex can lead to impairments in sensory, motor, and learning domains. In the sensory domain, individuals with a persisting Galant reflex may have difficulty processing sensory information, leading to difficulties with reading, writing, and spatial awareness. In the motor domain, individuals may have difficulty with gross motor skills such as walking and running, as well as fine motor skills such as handwriting and buttoning clothes. In the learning domain, individuals may have difficulty with attention, concentration, and memory. It is estimated that approximately 5-10% of children may have a persisting Galant reflex after the age of 4 months.

Impacts on Neurodevelopment

Studies have shown that the persistence of the Galant reflex may be correlated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For example, a study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that children with cerebral palsy were more likely to have a persisting Galant reflex than typically developing children[1]. Another study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that the Galant reflex was present in a higher percentage of children with autism spectrum disorder than typically developing children[2]. These findings suggest that the persistence of the Galant reflex may be a risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Imaging Technology for Diagnostic

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) are two neuroimaging techniques that have shown promise in identifying different brain patterns when the brain centers and their functions are impaired due to persisting primary reflexes such as the Galant reflex.

fNIRS is a non-invasive technique that measures changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain, while EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain. These techniques have been used to identify atypical brain patterns in individuals with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder, providing insights into the underlying neurobiology of these disorders. The use of these imaging technologies can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with the persistence of the Galant reflex.

Source:

[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08830738020170020301[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-012-1547-0