Babinski Reflex

Babinski Reflex is a normal reflex response in infants upto 2 years of age. When the sole of the foot is stroked, the big toe turns up and the toes fan out.

The Babinski response is present until about 4 to 6 months of age (normally present in 10% of 6 month olds), and disappears completely by 9 to 12 months.

It is a normal reflex in infants, but it is usually associated with a disturbance of the pyramidal tract in children and adults.

In 1896, Joseph Babinski, a French neurologist, first described the best known neurologic eponym 'the Babinski sign'. This sign is characterised by dorsiflexion of the big toe and recruitment of the extensor hallucis longus muscle, on stimulating the sole of the foot. He has emphasised from the outset, the intimate relationship between this sign and the shortening movement in other leg muscles, which form the flexion synergy of the lower limb.

Test for Babinski Reflex

The test for Babinski's sign, called Babinski's test , is running a pointed instrument up the lateral border of the foot and crossing to the medial side over the metatarsal pads.

The term Babinski's sign also refers to a reflex of the forearm and indicates a lesion of the spinal cord.

Home Care for Babinski Reflex

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.