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Alternative Names
Reflex - Babinski's; Extensor plantar reflex; Babinski's signDefinition Return to top
Babinski's reflex occurs when the big toe moves toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked.
This reflex, or sign, is normal in younger children, but abnormal after the age of 2.
Considerations Return to top
Reflexes are specific, predictable, involuntary responses to a particular type of stimulation.
Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children up to 2 years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomes more developed. It may disappear as early as 12 months.
The presence of a Babinski's reflex after age 2 is a sign of damage to the nerve paths connecting the spinal cord and the brain (the corticospinal tract). This tract runs down both sides of the spinal cord, therefore a Babinski's reflex can occur on one side or on both sides.
An abnormal Babinski's reflex can be temporary or permanent.
Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Typically, a person (older than an infant) who has a Babinski's reflex will also have incoordination, weakness, and difficulty with muscle control. Safety is important to prevent the risk of injury. The person may need assistance with activity, and the environment should be kept free of hazards.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
This finding is usually discovered by the health care provider, and the affected person usually is not aware of its presence.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit Return to top
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's symptoms and medical history.
The physical examination will include a complete nervous system (neurological) examination.
Diagnostic testing may include:
References Return to top
Griggs R, Jozefowicz R, Aminoff M. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 418.
Hammerstad J. Strength and reflexes. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.
Update Date: 3/26/2009 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
