Reflex Tonic Cervical Asymmetric

The asymmetric tonic cervical reflex (r. tonicus cervicalis asymmetricus) is one of the innate reflexes of newborns, manifested in turning the head and straightening the limb with turning the head to one side when the skin on the side of the neck is irritated.

This reflex ensures that the child turns his head to find the source of irritation and focus attention on it. When the head is turned to one side, the arms and legs are extended on the same side, and the limbs are flexed on the opposite side, which provides an asymmetrical posture necessary for fixing the gaze on an object.

The reflex disappears by 4-6 months of life as the central nervous system matures. Its long-term persistence may indicate a delay in the neuropsychic development of the child. This reflex is assessed by pediatricians and neurologists when examining newborns and young children.

The asymmetric tonic cervical reflex (r. tonicus cervicalis asymmetricus), also known as the Dejerine reflex, is one of the main reflexes in the human body. It is responsible for maintaining the tone of the muscles of the neck and head, as well as regulating blood circulation in this area.

When exposed to the skin of the head and neck, the reflex arc is activated, which leads to contraction of the muscles of the neck and head. This allows you to maintain balance and maintain muscle tone, which is especially important when performing physical exercises and other activities that involve moving the head and neck.

The tonic cervical asymmetric reflex can be impaired due to various diseases, such as injuries, tumors, infections, etc. In this case, weakness of the neck muscles, headache, dizziness and other symptoms may occur.

In order to check the tonic cervical asymmetric reflex, it is necessary to conduct a series of tests. For example, you can ask the patient to tilt their head forward and back and then check the tone of the neck muscles. You can also use special devices to measure muscle tone.

Treatment of the tonic cervical asymmetric reflex depends on the cause of its violation. In some cases, drug therapy is sufficient, in others, surgical intervention is sufficient. However, in most cases, simple exercises are enough to strengthen the muscles of the neck and head.