Re: 15 month old son with exagerrated Moro reflex

Posted By Margie on January 14, 1999 at 20:42:38:

In Reply to: Re: 15 month old son with exagerrated Moro reflex posted by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on January 13, 1999 at 18:06:10:






My 15 month old son has been exhibiting an exagerated Moro reflex but has no known developmental delays at this time. He began walking at 10 months and has a 5-6 word (understandable) vocabulary. There is no other apparent problems. His brother was diagnosed with Meddulloblastoma at 22 months of age. He has two male cousins with Ocular Motor Apraxia. However, Bradley has shown no visible signs of either of the above conditions. Due to the fact that he has no developmental delays and no other symptoms insurance will not approve a neurological visit just given the fact that he has retained his moro reflex. I am interested in finding out what conditions could cause this problem and if anyone may have a specific ICD9 code that may work for insurance approval. Thank you

Margie
Dear Margie:
The most common diagnosis of someone who retains a Moro reflex (one of the primative reflexes) is cerebral palsy.  The Moro reflex should disappear after 6 months of age.  This in of of itself suggests that the cerebral over-riding normal functions have not been obtained.  However, not being examined by a good pediatric neurologist, who made the diagnosis of a Moro reflex?  How sure was he/she in this diagnosis and if this person is so wonderful and would know that this is abnormal, why wouldn't they allow you a visit to a pediatric neurologist.  This is the sad story of medicine becoming a business not a helping and healing profession.  Without examining your son, I can't tell is he has an abnormal Moro reflex present, because if it is there is a good possibility that there is something wrong neurologically.  This would be especially true if there are other primative protective reflexes present.  The best diagnosis would be CP for a further investigation.  Best of luck with your son.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD