Reflex Reflections: Basic Information about Reflexes- Moro

Preface about Primitive Reflexes 

Nature provides each person with a set of involuntary patterns that start before birth and aid development. The Infant Reflex Patterns are automatic motor responses to sensory triggers. Changes in the sensory environment activate an involuntary patterned motor response. These early motor responses start working in utero as the sensory-motor systems of the fetus develop.

As each motor response is activated and sustained, the Upper Brain learns to direct the muscles involved and takes over voluntary control of the muscles that are used in the infant reflex patterns. The Upper Brain takes over, inhibits, and integrates the infant reflexes. Most early infant reflexes are typically inhibited by six months of age. Integration comes with voluntary use of the reflex patterns. Inhibition and integration of primitive reflexes does not mean that the reflexes are gone; these patterns remain stored in the brainstem and midbrain, coming forward as needed to protect and restore development during trauma.

Moro Reflex (2 of 3)

In the last entry, the history, description, development, and persistence of the Moro Reflex were described. 

DEVELOPMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS OF MORO RELFLEX

The Moro Reflex is one of the first reflexes to develop before birth. Moro appears to be important in the development of all work of the core muscles, such as, gravity awareness of the core, diaphragm activation for breathing and protection from falls or attacks, as well as, regulating strong emotions. 

Some experts believe that the typical Moro Reflex develops out of the typical Fear-Paralysis Response. Typical development of Moro ensures a mature Startle Reflex that is easy to re-regulate.

Fear-Paralysis changes eye development

Abnormal Fear-Paralysis can evolve into a hyperactive Moro Reflex. A hyperactive Moro Reflex can lead to a hyper-vigilant adult Startle Reflex that is not easily re-regulated. However, one does not need an abnormal Fear-Paralysis Response to have a persistent Moro Reflex.

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH MORO REFLEX PERSISTENCE

A hyperactive Moro Reflex can develop into a startle pattern that resists regulation. When that happens, the Autonomic Nervous System can be overwhelmed. The adrenal system can be stressed leading to adrenal fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks later in life.

Moro Reflex connects with
emotional responses

Manic behavior also appears to be linked to an overreactive Startle Reflex. Moro Reflex retention has been correlated with Schizophrenia, ADHD, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in clinical studies. This is NOT to say Moro Reflex causes these issues, but it is a pattern of response in systems with trauma, regulation and neuro-developmental issues.

A hypoactive Moro Reflex can lead to low reactivity, depression, and detachment. I have commonly seen issues with low lymph flow, physical activity levels, and emotional attachment issues related to a hypoactive Moro Reflex.

RELATED REFLEX PATTERNS

A retained, hyperactive Moro Reflex can affect the inhibition and integration of other reflex patterns, especially the Spinal Galant Reflex, Grasp Reflex, and Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).

Other reflexes can keep the Moro Reflex from inhibition and integration, such as, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex and Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, in particular.


Next week, learn about observation and checks for Moro R

For more information about the Moro or other reflexes, contact Janet Oliver for an online mentoring session. These sessions can be lengths of 15 minutes up to 2 hours. Check at www.planforlearning.com for description, costs and contact information.