MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Moro reflex

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Moro reflex

The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is startled or feels like they are falling. The infant will have a "startled" look and the arms will fling out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. Absence of the Moro reflex in newborn infants is abnormal and may indicate an injury or disease.

Update Date: 11/12/2007

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Family Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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