Testing for a persistent Galants Spinal Reflex

The Galant's Spinal Reflex is a primitive reflex believed to be involved in avoidance behaviour. This is seen in the action involved with the reflex; contracture of the involved muscle laterally flexes the torso away from the point of stimulus. As such, this reflex is believed to be involved in the birthing process.

It is also believed to be associated with the ATNR reflex, and is involved in the development of the Amphibian Reflex.

Testing for a persistent Galants reflex can be done in two ways; laying prone or in the quadruped position. The practitioner gently strokes down along the Erector Spinae muscle group just out from the midline observing for:

- Contracture of the erector muscle
- Lateral flexion of the torso
- Movement of the hip when in the quadruped position.

As this reflex is spinal in origin, it requires development of the brain for inhibition. As such, indications of persistence of this reflex tend to reflect more the improper cortical development;

- Fidgety behaviour - this is due to the reflex activating every time the child sits back or anticipates contact with the back.
- Unable to ignore bodily sensations
- Hypersensitivity to touch (to the point of sensitivity in anticipation of touch), especially in the torso
- Poor postural control when sitting
- Bed wetting issues.

Unilateral presence of this reflex is a strong indicator of brain imbalance (not pathological) that may require further evaluation by a health professional involved in movement therapy such as an osteopath, physiotherapist, OT, or chiropractor.

[salmoncreekcommunityschool]

One student I had with a strong Galant reflex could not tolerate sitting in a chair with a back. He focused on work better when allowed to lie on the carpet, stand at a tall desk or use a yoga ball. Knowing this reflex was active helped me understand why he got upset with what I thought was an encouraging pat on the back!

[thenotflatearth]

How do you determine if a child does have this reflex or is just being ticklish?

[daniellec]

Could this explain the total back twitch/spasm that I get when I feel (or imagine) someone touching or breathing on the back of my head? It starts as a nervous feeling in that area of my body (back of head or neck to the right) then quickly travels down my spine making my whole body twitch. I have to warn massage therapists about it and I can’t spoon where my right side is exposed to the other person’s breathing.