Galant Reflex (Trunk Incurvation)

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 2

What is the "Galant Reflex (Trunk Incurvation)" used for?

Galant reflex is present at birth and disappears at approximately 2 to 2½ months of age.

To elicit this reflex, the infant is placed in the prone position and the examiner strikes one side of the lumbar region of the back (between the tenth rib and the iliac crest, approximately 1 cm from the midline along a paravertebral line extending from the shoulder to the buttocks) with the index finger
When the reflex is present, the infant’s trunk will curve (flex laterally) toward the stimulated side, with the shoulders and pelvis moving in the same direction.
A similar response can be elicited by pricking the outer side of the gluteal area, whereby the trunk will flex to the side stimulated

When the reflex is present, the infant’s trunk will curve (flex laterally) toward the stimulated side, with the shoulders and pelvis moving in the same direction.
If the response persists and is dominant unilaterally, the patient may develop scoliosis.