Babinski sign

Q Negative Babinski sign (means no pathology) is demonstrated by? (select one)

A) extensor plantar response

B) flexor plantar response

Answer: B

Babinski sign is an easy-to-perform but important physical exam. If there is damage to the central nervous system (CNS) motor pathways, an abnormal reflex occurs (positive Babinski sign).

Babinski sign tends to elicit a plantar response by using a blunt, narrow surface (usually the back of the handle of a reflex hammer by stroking the sole of the patient's foot on the lateral edge, starting near the heel and proceeding along the lateral edge almost to the base of the little toe, then curve the path medially just proximal to the base of the other toes - J stroke). It requires a light touch but the clinician may decide to use some pressure if the test is equivocal or indeterminate the first time.

A normal patient will have all the toes flexed known as flexor plantar response. If there is damage to the CNS motor pathways, the great toe extends and the other toes fan out, called an extensor plantar response.

#physica-exam

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Reference:

Ambesh P, Paliwal VK, Shetty V, Kamholz S. The Babinski Sign: A comprehensive review. J Neurol Sci. 2017 Jan 15;372:477-481. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.10.041. Epub 2016 Nov 2. PMID: 27823832.