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.