PERTH · FACE TO FACE AND ONLINE
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) in Children
The tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR) is a primitive reflex linked to head position and balance. When a baby’s head tips forward or back, the whole body follows. It is meant to fade as a child gains head control and balance. When it is retained, it can show up as poor balance, motion sickness or trouble on stairs.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. This page explains what the TLR is, the signs that can come with a retained TLR, and what helps.
What is the tonic labyrinthine reflex?
The tonic labyrinthine reflex is one of the primitive reflexes, the automatic movements babies are born with. It is driven by the labyrinth, the balance system in the inner ear. When a baby’s head tips forward, the arms and legs curl in. When the head tips back, the body stretches out.
As the brain matures the TLR is meant to integrate, so head control, posture and balance can take over. The forward version usually fades in the first few months of life, and the backward version more gradually over the first few years.
What is a retained TLR?
When the TLR is retained, tipping the head forward or back can still pull on muscle tone through the whole body. Balance, posture and a sense of where the body is in space all have to work harder, so everyday things like stairs, escalators or sitting up at a desk can feel unsteady or tiring.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs that can come with a retained TLR
Weak neck muscles
A tendency to motion sickness
A poor sense of balance
Difficulty with sequencing, organisation and spatial perception
Losing balance walking up or down stairs
Feeling disoriented on an escalator
Holding their head in their hands when sitting
Toe walking
Every child is different, and there can be many reasons for each of these. If several sound familiar, an assessment can show whether a retained reflex is part of the picture.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Rolling games, like rolling along the floor or down a gentle grassy slope
- Crawling games, tunnels and animal walks
- Swinging and gentle rocking at the playground
- Balance play: walking along a line, a low beam or stepping stones
- Keep it playful and short, and stop if your child feels dizzy or unwell
When it is worth getting it checked
If balance, motion sickness or coordination is getting in the way of everyday life, check in with your GP, and see them first if dizziness comes on suddenly. An assessment with me can show whether retained reflexes are part of the picture. My work is movement based and sits alongside other support, not instead of it.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In my work with children, I look beyond the balance and coordination difficulties to understand the underlying developmental skills, postural stability, motor planning, coordination and the possible influence of retained primitive reflexes that may be contributing to these challenges.
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
I often combine reflex integration with Brain Gym®, which uses simple movements to help both sides of the brain work together.
READ MORE
Related challenges
Toe walking: Toe walking is one of the challenges I see with an unintegrated TLR.
Coordination, balance and clumsiness: Coordination and balance rely on several underlying skills, including body awareness, postural control, muscle coordination and the integration of early movement patterns. When these foundations are less developed, children may struggle with sport, playground activities, handwriting or other everyday tasks.
Primitive reflexes: Primitive reflexes are one piece of the developmental puzzle. In some children, ongoing reflex activity may contribute to difficulties with balance, coordination, handwriting, posture, body awareness or emotional regulation.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
When should the TLR go away?
The forward TLR usually fades in the first few months of life. The backward TLR integrates more gradually, over the first few years.
Is the TLR linked to toe walking?
It can be. Toe walking is one of the signs I see with a retained TLR, though there can be many reasons for it. You can read more on my toe walking page.
Will more balance practice fix it?
Practice helps when the body is ready for it. If a retained reflex is making balance hard work, it usually helps more to work on that first.
How long before we see a difference?
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks. Practising the exercises at home between sessions helps the new pathways strengthen faster.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments.
Is there research behind it?
Yes. Primitive reflex integration exercises are researched for their effect on childhood motor and neurological patterns. See the research.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.