Head Retraction Reflex
Introduction
Head Retraction Reflex is one of the pathological reflexes that occurs as a result of central nervous system disorders. Its closest neurophysiological figure is the trigemino-cervical reflex that acts as a protective withdrawal reflex in normal subjects[1]. It is one of the features of decerebrate rigidity syndrome[2].
Examination
- Instruct the patient to keep their neck muscles loose and maintain a slight bend forward in their head.
- A downward blow is applied in the middle of the upper lip [2]or tapping the midline of the face[1], intending to cause brisk head bending.
- Positive reflex is the contraction of neck muscles and head retraction.
Clinical Importance
The reflex was found with different neurological conditions that indicate pyramidal tract lesions above cervical segments of spinal cord, assisting in clinical examination of them, e.g.:
- Hypertensive encephalopathy.[2]
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.[2]
- Stiff-man syndrome and its variants.[5]
- Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC), a lipid storage disorder with neurological manifestations.[1]
- Reported in Parkinson's disease[6].
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Martin AJ, Morales‐Briceño H, Tchan M, Fung VSC. The Head Retraction Reflex in Niemann‐Pick Type C: A Novel Diagnostic Clue. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice [Internet]. 2020 May 13 [cited 2025 Dec 31];7(5):543–7.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Wartenberg R. HEAD RETRACTION REFLEX. California Medicine [Internet]. 1949 May [cited 2025 Dec 31];70(5):382.
- ↑ mohamed hassanin. Head Retraction Reflex.
- ↑ Evelien Zoons, Ginjaar IB, Bouma PAD, Carpay JA, Tijssen MAJ. A new hyperekplexia family with a recessive frameshift mutation in the GLRA1 gene. Movement Disorders. 2012 Jan 30;27(6):795–6.
- ↑ Berger C, Hans‐Michael Meinck. Head retraction reflex in stiff‐man syndrome and related disorders. Movement Disorders. 2003 Mar 18;18(8):906–11.
- ↑ Sandyk R, Fleming J, Brennan MJW. The head retraction reflex — its specificity in Parkinson’s disease. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery [Internet]. 2003 Mar 5;84(3):159–62.