Concussion and brain development
Those of us who have had the opportunity to observe newborn infants in the first stages of life have witnessed how slight, unexpected movements can trigger a variety of spontaneous movement patterns. These “primitive reflexes” are a collection of body positioning responses that provide the infant with the ability to perform intentional action, optimal readiness for nursing, and safety, among other things. Our brains, however, must overcome these spontaneous patterns to allow for the normal development of coordination, walking, and sensory integration capabilities as the child grows. This is achieved by the suppression of these reflexes as regions of the brain mature at varying times over the 25 years it takes for the human brain to develop completely.
As the world watched Tua Tagovailoa lying on his back after being tackled on Thursday, many commented that his posturing demonstrated a “fencer’s position,” which confirmed the severity of his concussive injury.
They get partial credit for that answer.
Yes, Tua demonstrated a primitive reflex following the impact.
No, it was not the “fencer’s position.”
