The fencing reflex, also known as the tonic neck reflex, is a natural response seen in newborns.
Understanding the Fencing Reflex
This reflex occurs when a baby's head is turned to one side. In response, the arm on the same side the head is facing will extend straight out, while the opposite arm will bend at the elbow, often resembling a fencer's pose.
Key Features of the Fencing Reflex
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Turning the baby's head to one side. |
| Response | The arm on the side the head is turned will extend, the opposite arm will bend. |
| Appearance | Resembles a fencing stance. |
| Duration | Typically lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. |
Example of the Reflex
- If the baby's head is turned to the right, the right arm will extend, and the left arm will bend.
- If the baby's head is turned to the left, the left arm will extend, and the right arm will bend.
Important Points
- This reflex is normal and an important part of a newborn's development.
- It is one of the many reflexes that help healthcare providers assess a baby's nervous system development.
- The fencing reflex typically disappears within the first few months, and its persistence beyond that could indicate an underlying neurological issue, which would require further investigation and consultation with a medical professional.
The fencing reflex, as described by Stanford Medicine Children's Health, is a key example of a newborn's involuntary movements, which reflect the ongoing maturation of the nervous system.
