Conquering the Beast.

Today Joey had his annual Neurology appt. The doctors asks many questions, one of which "has Joey regressed in anyway"? My answer was, "WELLLLLLLLLLL, his ATNR and startle reflex seems to be worse". This has been the beast in our life for the last 4 years. It has gotten better, but over the last few months seems to be happening more.

What is ATNR?

The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn humans, but normally vanishes around six months of age.

It is also known as the "fencing reflex" because of the characteristic position of the infant's arms and head, which resembles that of a classically trained fencer. When the face is turned to one side, the arm and leg on the side to which the face is turned extend and the arm and leg on the opposite side bend. For example, in children with cerebral palsy, the reflexes may persist and even be more pronounced. As abnormal reflexes, both the ATNR and the TLR can cause problems for the growing child. The ATNR and TLR both hinder functional activities such as rolling, bringing the hands together, or even bringing the hands to the mouth. Over time, both the ATNR and TLR can cause serious damage to the growing child's joints and bones. The ATNR can cause the spine to curve (scoliosis). Both the ATNR and TLR can cause the head of the thighbone to partially slip out (subluxation) or completely move out of the hip socket (dislocation).

ATNR being a reflex, means Joey has NO control over it. It usually happens when Joey is irritated by anything, however it can also just happen because the wiring in his brain is freaking out.

He also has the startle reflex. What is a startle reflex?

The startle reaction, also called the startle response, startle reflex or alarm reaction, is the response of mind and body to a sudden unexpected stimulus, such as a flash of light, a loud noise (acoustic startle reflex), or a quick movement near the face. In human beings, the reaction includes physical movement away from the stimulus, a contraction of the muscles of the arms and legs, and often blinking. It also includes blood pressure, respiration, and breathing changes. The muscle reactions generally resolve themselves in a matter of seconds. The other responses take somewhat longer. An exaggerated startle reaction is called hyperexplexia (also hyperekplexia).

The startle reflex is not physically debilitating. Just an annoyance.

There are therapy tools to help in decreasing these reflexes. The startle reflex is very simple to do, however, the therapy for the ATNR is much more difficult and complicated.

Anyways, the issue with these reflexes is, WHY IS JOEY GETTING WORSE WHEN IT COMES TO THESE REFLEXES? Either something physical is bothering him and that is his body saying "OUCH". Or in my opinion, he has become more aware, so more things physically and environmentally are bothering him. I like the second outcome better, but this means that we need to find a way to easy his brain to calm the reflexes. This would mean medication. YUCK! I hate the idea of putting him on meds. If it is the first, then that's easy, find what the problem is and fix the problem, the reflexes calm on their own.

So I will take Joey to the pediatrician for a complete check up. We will then go from there.

As for some great news. Joey has been doing awesome sitting. Last week he broke his record and sat for 20 min 38 sec. He never fell over, we had to lay him down because he was tired. Then today I got the call that he sat for 24 minutes before we laid him down to rest. WHOO HOO!

It is very comforting to know that while small things hold him back, he is still making HUGE progress. 4 years since his accident and he is still improving :)