Which primitive reflex may persist in a healthy child up to the age of 2?

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The Babinski reflex is considered a primitive reflex that can persist in a healthy child up to the age of 2 years. This reflex is observed when the sole of the foot is stroked, resulting in the toes extending and spreading out. In infants, this reflex is a normal finding, indicating an intact neurological system.

As children develop, the Babinski reflex typically diminishes in most individuals, generally around the age of 12 months, but may still be present in some children up to the age of 2. In contrast, the other primitive reflexes mentioned often disappear much earlier in development. For example, the grasp reflex is usually gone by 3-4 months, the rooting reflex by 4 months, and the asymmetric tonic neck reflex typically fades by 6 months. The persistence of the Babinski reflex up to the age of 2 can be an expected finding, reflecting ongoing neurological maturation, making it a notable aspect of pediatric assessment.

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