The grasp reflex: A symptom in need of treatment

Abstract The grasp reflex is one of the primitive reflexes frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases. However, quality of life and treatment of the grasp reflex are neglected in the literature. Following two brief case vignettes of patients seen recently who experienced disability from a grasp reflex, we briefly review its phenomenology, anatomy–physiology and epidemiology in neurodegenerative movement disorders, and assess the limited current literature regarding the quality of life and treatment. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.