Moro reflex

Alternative names:

startle response

Home care:

Call your health care provider if:

• you suspect your infant may have a fractured clavicle or a brachial plexus injury (causing loss of the Moro reflex on one side).

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions may include:

• history of the labor and birth
• detailed family history
• other symptoms

Note: An abnormal Moro reflex is usually discovered by the health care provider.

Physical examination:
The Moro reflex will be evaluated. The muscular system and nervous system may need to have detailed examination if the reflex is absent or abnormal.

Diagnostic tests, in cases of decreased or absent reflex, may include:

• clavicle or shoulder joint X-ray
• tests for disorders associated with brachial plexus injury

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to an abnormal Moro reflex to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial