Peilirefleksillä

Peilirefleksillä, often translated as the mirror reflex, refers to a phenomenon observed in infants. It is a primitive reflex, meaning it is an involuntary and automatic response that is present from birth. The mirror reflex is characterized by the spontaneous movement of a limb on one side of the body when the corresponding limb on the other side is passively moved or observed. For example, if a healthcare professional gently bends an infant's arm, the infant's other arm may also bend. Similarly, if one leg is moved, the opposite leg may move in response.

This reflex is believed to be related to the development of motor pathways in the brain. It is thought to play a role in early motor learning and the development of bilateral coordination. The presence and strength of the mirror reflex can be assessed as part of a routine developmental examination of newborns and young infants.

Typically, the mirror reflex is expected to be present in full-term infants. Its absence or asymmetry, where the reflex is present on one side but not the other, can sometimes indicate a neurological concern and may warrant further investigation. As the infant's nervous system matures, this primitive reflex gradually disappears, usually by around 4 to 6 months of age, being replaced by more voluntary and controlled movements. The disappearance of the mirror reflex is a normal developmental milestone.