GENERAL INFORMATION
Primitive reflexes occur in infants before their cerebral cortex is fully mature. These reflexes arise from the spinal cord and brainstem. They are present at birth, and recede as the brain develops. Eventually the descending inhibitory signals from the cerebral cortex will cause these reflexes to cease. However it is important to remember that these reflexes are not lost forever- they are only suppressed. Degenerative disorders or trauma can cause these primitive reflexes to reappear later in life.
