The Galant reflex, also called the spinal Galant reflex or spinal cord reflex, is an early childhood reflex. Early childhood reflexes are vital for the infant, as they serve, on the one hand, to search for food as well as to take in food and, on the other hand, for self-protection. The Galant reflex belongs to the group of tonic reflexes that regulate the position of the body in space, the position of the individual body parts in relation to each other, and the entire striated musculature.
What is the Galant reflex?
The Galant reflex is triggered by stimulation of the child in the lumbar spine region, causing the child to rotate his or her hip outward by up to 45 degrees in the direction of the side on which the stimulation occurred. Furthermore, the reflex triggers an extension of the arms and legs on the stimulated side and a lifting of the pelvis. In the womb and during birth, the reflex is triggered by the uterine wall and the walls of the birth canal, respectively, when there is contact with the child’s lumbar region. After birth, the Galant reflex can be checked by brushing the area next to the lumbar spine with the fingernail while the child is in the prone position. The response may be weak in the first few days but is usually constant from day five onward.
Function and task
The Galant reflex is particularly significant in the context of childbirth. It greatly facilitates the passage of the birth canal. This is based on the fact that the walls of the birth canal trigger the reflex in the child. The rotation of the hips and the resulting curvature of the spine make the birth easier and faster, which makes the birth process easier for both mother and child. The child can move back and forth by itself thanks to the reflex. These movements in the hip and pelvic region would not yet be possible at this conception age without the Galant reflex. Because of its importance, the Galant reflex is only required at the time of birth. Therefore, it forms at about the time of the 18th week of pregnancy. The expectant mother then feels the reflex movements of the child as a wriggling movement. Even after birth, the Galant reflex remains for a while. Between the third and ninth month of the child’s life, the reflex is slowly reduced. It is present on average until the sixth month of life.
Diseases and ailments
Basically, it is essential for the child’s development that the early reflexes are broken down within the first few months of life. Otherwise, basic movements cannot be learned. Problems related to the Galant reflex arise, on the one hand, when the child does not develop the reflex or develops it insufficiently and when it is not available at birth. On the other hand, it is problematic if the Galant reflex is not dissipated within the first year of life after birth. If this is the case, it is called a persistent reflex. Depending on the age of the child, a persistent reflex can lead to various problems and symptoms. For example, it is often difficult for affected children to sit or lie still, since even the back of a chair can trigger the reflex. The Galant reflex is also triggered during sleep, which leads to restless, movement-intensive sleep that brings little rest. In the further course, this usually leads to concentration disorders as well as problems with short-term memory. The perception of form is reduced in affected children. Accordingly, the children find it difficult to grasp and retain patterns, geometric shapes and written characters. Affected children are often forgetful when carrying out everyday activities, which can be attributed to the problems with short-term memory. An indication of the presence of a persistent reflex may be a persistent increased fidgetiness of a child, combined with a constant urge to move. Likewise, hypersensitivity to belts and pants cuffs, which can trigger the reflex, may indicate a persistent Galant reflex. Furthermore, a limping gait or asynchronous walking may occur without an orthopedic cause being identifiable. Over time, the constant incorrect postures can lead to scoliosis, i.e., an abnormal curvature of the spine. The latter can be observed in particular if the Galant reflex only persists on one side, which can also occur.In the case of the reflex persisting only on one side, twisting of the pelvic blades may occur. Furthermore, there may be increased indigestion and bedwetting beyond the age of six. Overall, affected children have strikingly frequent problems with bladder control.
