Internationale Zeitschrift für Neurorehabilitation

Effect of Reflex Neuromodulation on an Infant with Severe Amniotic Band Syndrome: A Case Report on the Use of MNRI Techniques for Physical Therapy

Abstract

Isabelle Renard-Fontaine

Introduction: MNRI offers non-invasive neuromodulating techniques to activate reflex patterns which awaken the body’s natural resources and support functioning of sensory, motor, and cognitive systems. Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a rare congenital disorder attributed to the anomalous amniotic bands that entangle fetal parts during intrauterine life leading to a wide range of physical abnormalities in a newborn infant, in this case, located at the superior third portion of the right arm. Due to the severity of the constricting band observed and assessed at birth, the microvascular surgeon opted for immediate post-birth surgery and Occupational and Physical Therapies were respectively initiated at 8 and 10 weeks post-surgery.

Objective: This article describes early physical therapy intervention (post-surgery) using the MNRI method and discusses the effectiveness of MNRI techniques in the recovery of arm function.

Results: Early intervention using the MNRI neuromodulation techniques with ABS disorder demonstrated unique and faster motor milestones development including voluntary motor and cognitive control of the immobile limb in an infant with the ABS.

Summary: The use of the ready patterns of the brain-primary inherent reflexes-can be a key method and an important cornerstone for professionals to build upon for infants with the ABS.