Conclusion and Results (Outcome and Follow-up)
The functional neurology intervention demonstrated significant
improvements in the integration of primitive reflexes in the patient.
Post-treatment assessments showed that the Asymmetrical Neck Reflex
improved from a score of 3 to 1, indicating partial integration. The
Symmetrical Neck Reflex and both the anterior and posterior components
of the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex achieved full integration, with scores
improving from 3 to 0 and 2 to 0, respectively. The Spinal Galant
Reflex, which initially scored 1, was fully integrated (0), while the
Grasp Reflex improved from 2 to 0, showing full integration. The Moro
Reflex, which was already fully integrated before treatment, remained at
0, and the Paralysis by Fear Reflex improved significantly from 2 to 0.
These results highlight the effectiveness of a single session of
functional neurology intervention in reducing the persistence of
primitive reflexes, leading to improvements in motor coordination,
balance, and cognitive function. The integration of these reflexes is
critical for normal neurodevelopment, and the observed improvements
suggest that functional neurology may be a viable treatment option for
children with Primitive Reflex Integration Dysfunction.
Follow-up:
While the results of this single session were promising, long-term
follow-up assessments are recommended to determine the lasting effects
of the intervention and to evaluate whether additional sessions may be
necessary for complete reflex integration. Regular monitoring will
ensure that the patient continues to benefit from the improvements
observed and that any residual dysfunctions can be addressed promptly.
Discussion
Table 1 shows the improvement in the integration of primitive reflexes
after the functional neurology intervention.
Table 1 over here
The functional neurology intervention led to significant improvements in
the integration of the Asymmetrical Neck Reflex and the Symmetrical Neck
Reflex. The ANR score decreased from 3 to 1, indicating a marked
reduction in reflex activity. Similarly, the SNR score improved from 3
to 0, showing complete integration of the reflex. These changes suggest
that the intervention effectively addressed the dysfunctions associated
with these primitive reflexes. Previous studies have highlighted the
importance of integrating primitive reflexes for optimal motor and
cognitive development. For instance, the persistence of the ANR and SNR
has been linked to issues in motor coordination and balance (10). The
improvement observed in this case aligns with findings from similar
interventions, where functional neurology techniques were shown to
facilitate reflex integration and enhance motor function (7). The
results of this study are consistent with the literature indicating that
targeted neurological interventions can significantly impact reflex
integration. In particular, the reduction in ANR activity parallels the
findings of Harjpal and Kovela (4), who reported similar improvements in
reflex integration following neuromodulatory treatments. However, the
complete integration of the SNR in our study contrasts with some studies
that observed only partial improvements, suggesting that the specific
methodologies employed may play a crucial role in the outcomes (11).
These differences may be attributed to the personalized nature of the
intervention used in this study, which included comprehensive
assessments and tailored treatment plans.
The TLR encompasses both anterior and posterior components, each
demonstrating significant changes following the functional neurology
intervention. The anterior TLR, which involves flexion of the limbs when
the head is tilted forward, improved from a score of 2 to 0. Similarly,
the posterior TLR, characterized by limb extension when the head is
tilted backward, also improved from 2 to 0. These results indicate
complete integration of both reflexes post-intervention. The TLR plays a
crucial role in early motor development, influencing posture, balance,
and coordination. Its persistence beyond infancy can lead to various
developmental issues, including difficulties in motor control and
spatial awareness (12). The observed improvements align with previous
findings that suggest targeted neurological interventions can facilitate
the integration of primitive reflexes, thereby enhancing motor function
(13). Studies have shown that proper positioning and therapeutic
interventions can significantly affect TLR integration. For example,
research by Harjpal and Kovela (4) demonstrated that specific
positioning could lead to improvements in TLR in children with cerebral
palsy, supporting the efficacy of targeted interventions in reflex
integration (4). Our study’s results are consistent with these findings,
highlighting the potential of functional neurology to address and
integrate retained reflexes effectively.
The functional neurology intervention produced notable changes in the
Spinal Galant Reflex, Grasp Reflex, Moro Reflex, and Paralysis by Fear
Reflex. The Spinal Galant Reflex showed complete integration, with the
score improving from 1 to 0. This result aligns with previous findings
that link successful intervention strategies to improved neuromotor
outcomes. For instance, it was demonstrated that targeted therapeutic
approaches could effectively integrate the Spinal Galant Reflex,
reducing related motor issues in children with learning disabilities.
The complete integration observed in our case supports the efficacy of
functional neurology in addressing such reflex dysfunctions (9). The
Grasp Reflex also exhibited significant improvement, moving from a score
of 2 to 0, indicating full integration. This reflex is crucial for
developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination (2). The m
Paralysis by Fear Reflex, which improved from 2 to 0, showing full
integration. This reflex, often associated with freezing responses to
perceived threats, can significantly impact a child’s ability to respond
to stressors. Harjpal and Kovela (4) found that neuromodulatory
treatments could significantly reduce the sensitivity of this reflex,
thereby improving the child’s adaptive responses to stress. Our findings
corroborate this, highlighting the potential of functional neurology in
mitigating the adverse effects of retained primitive reflexes.