An abnormal (dorsiflexor) plantar reflex.
extension of the great toe, with or without fanning of the other toes, in response to stimulation of the outer margin of the sole of the foot; normal up to 1 1/2 years of age
The reflexive extension and abduction of the toes after the medial, plantar surface of the foot is stroked; positive reflex (Babinski sign) is normal up to age 1.5 years; thereafter, a positive reflex indicates damage to descending tracts.
extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons
Reflex response present in newborns until the ages of 4 to 6 month (disappears completely by 9 to 12 months of age). The plantar aspect of the baby's foot is stroked down with the finger starting from little toe. A Babinski sign is reported as present if the baby extends and splays out his toes in response to the motion described previously.
Elicited by scraping the lateral side of the sole of the foot and the skin overlying the metatarsal heads. The sign is present if the big toe extends and the toes spread in response to the scraping stimulus. The physiologic response is to flex the big toe. The presence of a Babinski occurs in upper motor neuron disease, coma, or both.
