Landau reflex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Landau reflex or Landau reaction refers to a reflex seen in infants when held horizontally in the air in the prone position.[1] It emerges 3 months after birth and lasts until up to 12 months to 24 months of age.[2] A normal response of infants when held in a horizontal prone position is to maintain a convex arc with the head raised and the legs slightly flexed. It is poor in those with floppy infant syndrome and exaggerated in hypertonic and opisthotonic infants.[3]

Interpretation[edit]

An abnormal Landau reflex may indicate hypotonia or hypertonia and may indicate a motor development issue.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Mitchell, Ross G. (2008). "The Landau Reaction (Reflex)". Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 4: 65–70. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.1962.tb03099.x. PMID 14474644. S2CID 6935022.
  2. ^ "Landau reflex". TheFreeDictionary. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. (2009)". Retrieved 11 January 2017.