Palmar grasp reflex, grasp reflex, is a primitive reflex found in infants of humans and most primates.
When an object is placed in an infant’s palm, the fingers flex reflexively around the object.
The grip is generally strong.
The grip may be lost suddenly and without warning.
Reversing the grip can be induced by stroking the back of the hand.
The reflex is exhibited in fetuses in utero by 28 weeks into gestation, but can appear as early as 16 weeks.
The reflex persists until development of
fine motor skills between two to six months of age.
If the palmar grasp reflex persists beyond 2 to 4 months, it delays or affects functions like grasping a rattle, releasing objects from hand and also hand manipulation skills.
In adults palmar grasp reflex is a pathological frontal release sign and may signify frontal lobe damage.
In adults it may be a sign of anterior cerebral artery syndrome.