The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn humans that normally vanishes around 6 months of age. It is also known as the bow and arrow or "fencing reflex" because of the characteristic position of the infant's arms and head, which resembles that of a fencer. When the face is turned to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend, and the arm and leg on the opposite side flex. It is more likely to be seen in premature infants than full-term babies. It is rare in newborns but can be stimulated from infants to up to 3 months old. It is believed to help develop hand-eye coordination and help with awareness of both sides of the body. The presence of the ATNR, as well as other primitive reflexes, such as the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR), beyond the first six months of life may indicate that the child has developmental delays, at which point the reflex is atypical or abnormal. For example, in children with

cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include poor coordination, spasticity, stiff muscles, Paresis, weak muscles, and tremors. There may b ...

, the reflexes may persist and even be more pronounced. As abnormal reflexes, both the ATNR and the TLR can cause problems for the growing child. The ATNR and TLR both hinder functional activities such as rolling, bringing the hands together, or even bringing the hands to the mouth. Over time, both the ATNR and TLR can cause serious damage to the growing child's joints and bones. The ATNR can cause the spine to curve (

scoliosis Scoliosis (: scolioses) is a condition in which a person's Vertebral column, spine has an irregular curve in the coronal plane. The curve is usually S- or C-shaped over three dimensions. In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others ...

). Both the ATNR and TLR can cause

subluxation A subluxation is an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ. According to the World Health Organization, a subluxation is a "significant structural displacement" and is therefore visible on static imaging studies, such as X-rays. ...

of the femoral head or

dislocation In materials science, a dislocation or Taylor's dislocation is a linear crystallographic defect or irregularity within a crystal structure that contains an abrupt change in the arrangement of atoms. The movement of dislocations allow atoms to sli ...

of the femoral head as it completely moves out of the hip socket. When abnormal reflexes persist in a child, evidence suggests early intervention involving extensive physical therapy as the most beneficial course of treatment. The fencing response occurs in adults as a result of mechanical forces applied to the head, typically associated with contact sports. The fencing response is transient and indicates moderate forces applied to the

brainstem The brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior stalk-like part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. In the human brain the brainstem is composed of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. The midbrain is conti ...

, resulting in a

traumatic brain injury A traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as an intracranial injury, is an injury to the brain caused by an external force. TBI can be classified based on severity ranging from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI/concussion) to severe traumati ...

References

* * Diagnostic neurology Neonatology Reflexes {{Pediatrics-stub

See also

References