EpistemisFront release reflexes
Specialty: Neurology.
Why it occurs
- Advanced dementia (Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia)
- Extensive bilateral frontal lobe stroke
- Advanced normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Severe diffuse anoxic encephalopathy
- Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with motor involvement
Initial workup
Detailed physical examination looking for grasping reflexes ("grasping"), sucking, sniffing, Marinesco-Radovici palmomental reflex and the inexhaustible blink reflex (Myerson's sign); Brain MRI to evaluate selective frontal lobar atrophy, ischemic lesions or massive ventricular dilation.
red flags
Appearance of unilateral or bilateral grasping reflexes of acute or subacute onset accompanied by extreme apathy (akinetic mutism), sudden urinary incontinence and inability to walk, suggestive of bilateral anterior cerebral artery stroke or decompensated obstructive hydrocephalus.
Standard management
- There are no drugs to suppress frontal release reflexes, since they represent the loss of cortical inhibition of primitive reflex arcs
- Adjustment of neuropsychological treatment and complete care support for dependent patients.
Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.
- Area
- Neurology
- Listed causes
- 5
- Treatment options
- 2