Evoked fetal startle response: a possible intrauterine neurological examination.
Publication/Presentation Date
10-15-1985
Abstract
The fetal startle reflex was studied in an attempt to provide an objective and quantitative estimate of the fetal neurological condition. This reflex is a normal response to a combined sound-vibratory stimulus in the healthy infant born after 30 weeks of gestation. It consists of a generalized paroxysmal motion that involves the whole body. Thirty women with uncomplicated pregnancies, who subsequently delivered healthy infants, were studied at term. Fetal movements were monitored by means of a real-time scanner. Placement of the transducer was such that it allowed for visualization of the long axis of the fetal forearm. A 3-second stimulus was delivered on the maternal abdomen over the fetal head with use of an artificial larynx. This device generates a mixed sound-vibratory output of 100 dB and 85 Hz. Sufficient visualization of the plane of forearm motion was possible 68% of the time, thus allowing for measurement of the duration of this motion. The results indicate that the mean duration of forearm motion in response to a 3-second sound-vibratory stimulus is 8.2 +/- 2.3 seconds (+/- SEM). Since an immediate forearm motion was detected each time that a stimulus was applied, we conclude that the startle reflex does indeed exist in the fetus. This simple means of assessing the neurological state of the fetus may provide a way to evaluate fetal tone as it applies to antenatal fetal assessment.
Volume
153
Issue
4
First Page
454
Last Page
456
ISSN
0002-9378
Published In/Presented At
Divon MY, Platt LD, Cantrell CJ, Smith CV, Yeh SY, Paul RH. Evoked fetal startle response: a possible intrauterine neurological examination. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985 Oct 15;153(4):454-6. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(85)90086-9. PMID: 3901769.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
3901769
Department(s)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Document Type
Article