Neurological assessment - Neonate: Nursing

Newborn neurological assessment is a part of the thorough evaluation of the newborn that’s performed within 24 hours after birth. The goal is to confirm normal neurological status and early detection of treatable conditions and conditions that might affect their development.

Begin your assessment by observing the infant's posture and muscle tone. A healthy term infant will be flexed and have good muscle tone; the cry will be strong; and the motor activity will be spontaneous and symmetrical.

Problems such as prematurity; birth injury; exposure to opioids; or problems like hypoglycemia or sepsis are associated with abnormal assessments that include limp, floppy muscle tone; asymmetrical motor activity; jitteriness; or a weak, high-pitched cry.

Let’s start with normal newborn reflexes. During the assessment, the strength and symmetry of the infant’s reflexive responses are evaluated. It's important to note that some reflexes are normally present at birth, but they should disappear by a specific age. If they persist beyond that age, it could indicate a neurological issue that requires further investigation.

First, let’s focus on the Babinski reflex. The Babinski reflex is induced by lightly stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. Normally, the infant responds by hyperextending the big toe back and upwards while spreading the other toes. Normally, the Babinski reflex disappears eight to nine months after delivery.

Moving on to the Moro reflex. This reflex is sometimes called the startle reflex, because it is often seen in response to a loud noise. When assessing the Moro reflex, lift the infant up a few inches, and then suddenly lower them.

Alternatively, you can withdraw the hand that’s supporting the head, allowing the head to fall back into your hand. Normally, the infant responds by extending their arms outward and opening their hands. There may also be a slight extension of the neck. This is followed by flexion of the knees and adduction of the arms as well as closing of the fists. At the same time, the infant will often cry. The Moro reflex usually disappears after 5 to 6 months of life.

Switching gears and moving on to the tonic neck reflex. Testing for this reflex requires placing an infant in the supine position and gently turning their head to one side. Normally, the infant responds by bending the arm and leg on the opposite side of the body while extending the arm and the leg on the same side of the body. And since this position looks like the infant is engaged in a fencing match, this reflex is often called the fencing reflex. Normally, the tonic neck reflex disappears after 4 months of life.

Next up is the stepping reflex. Begin by holding the infant upright with the soles of their feet touching a solid surface, such as a bed. Normally, the infant will make stepping movements, as if walking. Normally, the stepping reflex disappears after 3 to 4 months.

Now, the rooting reflex helps the infant to get ready to suck. Assess this reflex by stroking or touching the infant’s cheek and corner of the mouth. Normally, the infant turns their head toward the side that is stimulated, and the mouth should open. This reflex also disappears after 3 to 4 months.

Okay, to test for the sucking reflex, first gently stroke the infant’s lips. The infant should respond by opening their mouth and making sucking movements. Then place your gloved finger in the infant’s mouth to evaluate the strength and coordination of the suck. Normally, the infant responds by sucking your finger. The sucking reflex disappears after 12 months of life.