Pediatric Cerebral Dysfunction Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

The main idea is that certain primitive reflexes in infants reflect intact brainstem and early neural pathways. In a healthy 2-month-old, the Moro (startle), tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes are still expected to be present. Their persistence after a car accident suggests that the basic neural circuits are functioning, which points toward neurologic health rather than severe damage.

If the infant showed decorticate or decerebrate posturing, that would indicate significant brain injury affecting motor pathways at higher levels or brainstem involvement, and such postures are not implied by the continued presence of these reflexes. In short, the continued presence of Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes at this age supports normal neurologic status rather than severe injury.