The tonic labyrinthine reflex prepares babies for milestones such as rolling over, crawling on all fours, standing and walking. With the reflex, when the head is tilted backwards, there is a stiffening of certain muscle groups and a loss of balance. This reflex is present at birth and should integrate by 3.5 years of age. 

When retained, symptoms may include:

• Difficulty keeping the head in a flexed position
• Trouble paying attention when sitting at a desk or reading
• Poor posture
• Poor balance
• Motion sickness
• Toe walkers
• Increased or decreased muscle tone
• Disliking PE class/exercise
• Poor sense or rhythm or timing
• Visual difficulties with reading or writing
• Difficulty with orientation and spatial awareness