The Spinal Galant Reflex

What is The Spinal Galant Reflex?

In a baby, when you stroke the muscles next to the lower spine on one side, you will see a slight contraction of those muscles and to flex sideways toward the stimulated side.
This is one of the reflexes tested in newborns to help rule out brain damage at birth.

Stimulation down both sides of the spine at the same time simultaneously activates a related reflex that will induce bladder emptying reflex. Like the ATNR, it is thought that the Spinal Galant is important in the birthing process and it facilitates movement of the hips as the baby descends into the birthing canal it also improves muscle tone along the spine. This reflex should be gone by 3-9 months of age.

Some symptoms of a non-integrated Spinal Galant Reflex

• Prefers to wear loose clothing
• Fidgety when sitting or being held
• General restlessness; extreme ticklishness
• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Can be seen as being hyperactive 
• Bedwetting past the age of 5; intestinal challenges, chronic digestive issues 
• Intestinal challenges, chronic digestive issues 
• Scoliosis or fixations the spine
• Associated sensory systems: auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive