Grijpreflex

Grijpreflex, also called the grasp reflex, is a primitive reflex observed in human infants. It occurs when something touches the palm or base of the fingers, prompting the infant to flex the fingers and grasp the object reflexively. The reflex is part of the early sensorimotor repertoire and helps assess neurological development in infancy.

In typical development, the grijpreflex is present at birth or shortly after and tends to fade as voluntary hand control emerges. It is commonly integrated by about 4 to 6 months of age, with the child gradually coordinating reaching, grasping, and releasing in a purposeful manner. The reflex can be more pronounced in preterm infants and is often evaluated as part of routine newborn and infant neurological checks.

Clinical significance: In pediatrics, persistence beyond the expected window or asymmetrical presence can indicate developmental or neurological concerns, and clinicians monitor the trajectory of primitive reflexes alongside other motor milestones. The manner and timing of integration can provide information about cortical and brainstem maturation and overall neuromuscular health.

In adults, a reemergence or exaggerated form of a similar grasp response can occur after brain injury, particularly with frontal lobe damage or certain upper motor neuron lesions. This pathological grasp reflex, sometimes termed a frontal release sign, can interfere with voluntary movement and is considered abnormal outside infancy.