MORO REFLEX

It is a response to the sensation of loss of support.

It is a vestibular reflex. 

It is present since birth and accurately saying starts developing since weeks.

It peaks in the  1st month of life and begins to disappear by months.

But it can be noted till .

What are the ways eliciting MORO?

The preferred method is to hold the baby at an angle of about 45 degrees from the couch and then suddenly let the head fall back a short way. 

The infants first reponse is a spreading movement in which the arms are extended and abducted and hands are open although the fingers remain curved.

This is followed by inward movement i.e adduction and some flexion of the arms, with closing of the fists.

The reflex is also accomapnied by extension of trunk and legs with movement of legs.

An audible cry may accompany this reflex in neonates above 32 weeks of gestation.

In an alternative method the baby is placed supine and the back of the head is supported in the palm of the hand an inch or so above the table. Rapid release of the hands causes the sudden movement of the cervical region which initiates the reflex.

Can we elicit the MORO in preterm?

Yes, except for very small ones, but the arms tend to fall backwards on to the table during the adduction phase because the anti-gravity muscles are weaker than in full term infants.

Can we elicit the MORO in hypertonic infants?

Full movement of arms is restricted by hypertonia. In severe hypertonia cannot be elicited but in less severe cases little movement is possible.

When is MORO asymmetrical?

Erbs palsy

Clavicle fracture

Hemiplegia

Moro is inhibited on one side if the hand is holding an object.

WHEN ELICITING MORO HEAD SHOULD BE IN THE MIDLINE AND HANDS SHOULD BE OPEN.

PERSISTENCE OF MORO BEYOND 6 MONTHS INDICATES SERIOUS NEUROLOGICAL DEFECT IN INFANTS