Abstract：Palmomental reflex is a primitive human reflex. Gently stroking the palmar hypothenar with a blunt instrument could slightly contract the mandibular muscles. It gradually appears 2 days after birth, disappears at 2 years old, and reappears after 50 years old. In pathological condition, the stimulation, not only on the thenar but also on the hypothenar, the back of the hand, the forearm, the upper limbs, the trunk, and even the lower limbs, produces large contraction with long duration. A negative palmomental reflex from 2 days to 2 years after birth indicates brain injury. Therefore, palmomental reflex should be one of the routine examinations of neonatal nerve reflex. A positive palmomental reflex in an adult's lightly scratched hypothenar and other parts is a pathological sign, which is a sign of cortical release. In this paper, the anatomy and clinical significance of palmomental reflex were analyzed. A standardized examination method of palmomental reflex, effect grading, judgment index, and clinical significance were proposed.
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2023, Vol. 28 
