Tonic Neck Reflex [Video]

Video on Tonic Neck Reflex

Tonic Neck reflex appears at 37th week of gestation but is more prominent when the baby is about 1 months of age. It disappears at around 6 months of age. With the baby in the supine position, turn the head to one side, holding the jaw over the shoulder. The arm and leg on the side to which the head is turned extend, while the opposite arm and leg flex. This response does not normally occur each time this manoeuvre is performed, and when it is elicited each time it is evoked it should be considered abnormal, at any age. It will persist beyond the time of expected disappearance in major cerebral damage.