Moro Reflex on Newborn Physical Exam



The Moro reflex is obtained by holding the baby’s head and shoulders off of the mat with the arms held in flexion on the chest. The examiner suddenly lets the head and shoulders drop back a few inches while releasing the arms. The arms should fully abduct and extend, then return towards the midline with the hand open and the thumb and the index finger forming a “C” shape. An absent or incomplete Moro is seen in upper motor neuron lesions. An asymmetric Moro is most often seen with a brachial plexus lesion. The brachial plexus palsy is on the side of the poorly abducted arm.



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