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.
Review Date: 01/17/2011
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry
and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed
by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
