The Babinski reflex is a reflex response in the bottom part of the foot. It occurs as a reaction to stroking the sole of the foot with a blunt object. Show The Babinski reflex is one part of the neurological testing that doctors use to check for healthy development or underlying neurological conditions. Irregular reflex reactions may be a sign of an underlying neurological condition, which will require further testing for a diagnosis. Keep reading to learn more. The Babinski reflex, also called the Babinski sign or plantar reflex, is an automatic reflex in the foot in response to stimulation. Joseph Babinski, a French neurologist, first documented the reflex in 1896. Testing for the Babinski reflex involves stroking the sole of the foot and assessing the response in the toes. If the Babinski reflex is present, the big toe will move upward as the other toes fan outward. Although it took some time for the reflex to gain recognition, it is now one of the most important signs in clinical neurology. Doctors still use the Babinski reflex as a standard part of neurological testing. The Babinski reflex is a marker for the health of the cortical spinal tract, which is a nerve channel sending information between the brain and the body and limbs. It is primarily responsible for motor control in the body and limbs. The Babinski reflex is one type of standard check for neurological health. In very young children, a Babinski reflex is normal. A study in the International Journal of Physiology found that the Babinski reflex occurs in about 62–75% of newborns. As newborns generally do not yet have a fully developed nervous system, the reflex is not necessarily a sign of a neurological condition. While the reflex response is normal in infants, it should be absent after 24 months of age. In some cases, the reflex response disappears earlier — potentially as early as 1 year of age. Doctors consider a Babinski reflex response that appears in adults or children over the age of 2 years to be an abnormal reflex response. It may be a sign of an underlying neurological condition or nervous system disorder. In adults and children over the age of 2 years, the Babinski reflex may be a sign of an underlying central nervous system disorder or another issue in the cortical spinal tract. Possible associated disorders include: As the reflex response is not a diagnosis in itself, anyone displaying an abnormal reflex response will still need additional testing so that doctors can diagnose the underlying cause. To check for the Babinski reflex, a doctor will use a blunt object, such as a tongue depressor. Before the test, they will make sure that the person is in a relaxed and comfortable state. They may warn the person about the sensation of the test, which may vary from ticklish to uncomfortable and unpleasant. The doctor will then firmly stroke the bottom of the foot with the object in a curved line, moving from the heel of the foot up toward the toes and over to the big toe. The standard response is automatic, causing the toes to flex down toward the pressure and stimulation. This normal response confirms that the Babinski reflex is absent. The Babinski reflex occurs when the big toe extends up toward the top of the foot. Simultaneously, the other toes fan out away from each other. If this occurs in response to the test, it means that the Babinski reflex is present. If nothing occurs and there is no response, this is a neutral result. The test, therefore, has no significance, and doctors will move to other methods of testing. Doctors will also check for the sign in both feet. A reflex that is present in one foot and absent in the other can help show which side of the nervous system the underlying condition is affecting. The Babinski reflex is not foolproof. False positives and negatives are possible with this test, especially if the technique is incorrect. For this reason, doing a Babinski reflex test in the home is not reliable. Additional factors, such as someone having very ticklish feet, can also affect the test or make it difficult to complete correctly. No matter the outcome of the test, doctors will still move on to other tests to continue their diagnosis. These may include other neurological tests or reflex, imaging, or blood tests. The Babinski reflex occurs in response to someone passing a blunt object across the bottom of the foot from the heel to the big toe. When the reflex is present, the big toe flexes up, and the other toes spread out. The reflex may be present in infants without any underlying conditions. After the age of 2 years, though, the Babinski reflex should be absent. A positive result in adults or children over the age of 2 years may be a sign of an underlying issue in the central nervous system. False positives and negatives are possible with the Babinski reflex test, which is only one indicator. Doctors will still move on to other testing to help continue their diagnosis. An annual general checkup for adults and children over the age of 2 years may include a Babinski reflex test, along with other reflex tests. Anyone uncertain about their results should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Babies are born with newborn reflexes. These are involuntary movements that are a normal part of infant development. For example, if you put your finger in your newborn's hand, the baby will take hold of it. How Is My Baby Moving?Newborn reflexes show up soon after birth. They include:
These early reflexes gradually disappear as babies mature, usually by the time they are 3–6 months old. How Can I Encourage My Baby?Give your baby space to stretch and move the arms and legs. Let your baby get some tummy time when awake and alert to help strengthen back and neck muscles. Always stay with your baby during tummy time. As your baby grows, these reflexes will become less noticeable and more purposeful movements will develop. When Should I Call the Doctor?The doctor will check newborn reflexes as part of your baby's routine checkups, making sure they're the same on both sides, and taking note of when they disappear. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's movements. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/movenewborn
Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous and occur as part of the baby's normal activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Healthcare providers check reflexes to determine if the brain and nervous system are working well. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development. The following are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborn babies: Rooting reflexThis reflex starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months. Suck reflexRooting helps the baby get ready to suck. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will start to suck. This reflex doesn't start until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability because of this. Because babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking, they may suck on their fingers or hands. Moro reflexThe Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex. That’s because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, extends out his or her arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him or her and trigger this reflex. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 2 months old. Tonic neck reflexWhen a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the fencing position. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. Grasp reflexStroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old. A similar reflex in the toes lasts until 9 to 12 months. Stepping reflexThis reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface. This reflex lasts about 2 months. |