Orbicularis Oris Reflex (Snout Reflex)
Orbicularis Oris Reflex (also known as the Snout reflex) or “Pout” is a pouting or pursing of the lips induced by mild tapping of the closed lips around the midline. The mouth resembles a snout as a result of the muscles contracting.
A neurological exam tests for this reflex, and if it is present, it indicates brain damage or dysfunction. Snout is regarded as a frontal release indicator, along with the “suck”, palmomental reflexes, and other reflexes. Normal frontal lobe activity in the brain inhibits these reflexes, but if the frontal lobes are injured, the reflexes may be “released” from inhibition.
However, they are typically present in infants and last for approximately a year, which raises the possibility that they are basic or archaic reflexes.
Frontal lobe illnesses such as dementias, metabolic encephalopathies, closed-head traumas, and hydrocephalus all exhibit frontal release symptoms. The frontal release signals are not enough to diagnose any of these illnesses because they all cause extensive brain injury that often affects numerous locations and systems in addition to the frontal lobes and pyramidal system.
References
Snout reflex. (2020, December 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snout_reflex
Author: Nitesh Patel - Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist in Samarpan Physiotherapy Clinic Ahmedabad Bapunagar Amaraiwadi Vastral Mobile Physiotherapy Clinic Dr. Nitesh Patel ( Physiotherapist ) : Mo No : 09898607803
