Withdrawal Reflex

What is the "Withdrawal Reflex" used for?

• The withdrawal reflex is present at birth and disappears between 1 and 2 months of age. 

How to perform the "Withdrawal Reflex"?

• The infant is placed supine with the lower limbs in midline and natural extension. 
• The reflex is elicited by applying a pinprick to the sole of the foot. 
• The infant will withdraw the limb from this noxious stimulus by dorsiflexing the ankle and flexing the hip and knee

What is the positive result?

• The reflex is weak or absent in infants born with meningomyelocele, and in children with flaccid paralysis due to other intraspinal lesions. 
• Abnormal persistence may be due to spasticity of the lower limbs, as is seen in infants with cerebral palsy