One thing Neurodevelopmental Therapy has taught us here at Rainbow is that the brain is a complicated place. In our Central Nervous System, we have nerve pathways that both take in information and put out information. These are called input and output pathways. In just one of these input pathways, there are up to nine levels! Let’s take a look at one such system – the tactile system:
Level I: Babinski
- The Babinski reflex is located in the early brain stem and cord. It is present at birth and by one year of age should show up negative. The presence of the Babinski reflex in anyone over one year of age is indicative of lower level reflexes not progressing the way they should.
Level II: Pain
- Pain is located in the Brain Stem and Early Subcortical areas. Perception of sensations vital to the continuation of life such as deep pressure.
Level III: Gnostic
- The Gnostic reflex is located in the Midbrain and Subcortical areas. It is marked by an appreciation of more intricate pressure, such as light touch.
Level IV: Third Dimension
- The Third Dimension is located in the Initial Cortex. It is characterized by fine motor tactile ability. An example of this kind of motor ability might turning pages in a book.
Level V: Trigeminal and Temperature
- These are located in the Early Cortex. They are characterized by appropriate responses to stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (which covers the entire head area) and to varying temperatures.
Level VI: Olfactory and Gustatory
- These are located in the Early Cortex. They are characterized by appropriate responses to various smells and appropriate eating of different textures and tastes.
Level VII: Stereognosis I
- This is located in the Primitive Cortex. It is characterized by the ability to manipulate large objects and tell by feeling what an object is.
Level VIII: Stereognosis II
- This is located in the Sophisticated Cortex. This is the fine motor ability to tell without looking which coin you are holding and which side of the coin you are feeling.
Level IX: Proprioception
- This is located in the Sophisticated Cortex. This is brain’s unconscious knowledge of where the body is in space.
