10 Babinski Reflex FAQs

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Babinski Reflex: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003294.htm#:~:text=Babinski reflex is one of,top surface of the foot
• 2. Acharya, Aninda B. 'Babinski Reflex.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519009
• 3. 'Neural Exam - Newborn Reflexes - Plantar Reflex.' Embryology, embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php?title=Neural/Exam/-/Newborn/reflexes/-/plantar/reflex
• 4. 'Newborn Reflexes: Root Reflex: Suck Reflex.' DMC Hospital, 21 Oct. 2020, www.dmc.org/services/pediatrics/pediatric-healthy-living/corporate-content/newborn-reflexes

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A new parent may stumble upon an interesting fact: many newborns respond to the sole of their foot being stroked by bending their big toe backwards and splaying out their toes.

This is called the Babinski reflex or Babinski sign. This reflex is common for healthy infants. In adults and older children, the Babinski sign can also be a symptom of Lou Gehrig disease or nervous system injury. People with concerns about their neurological health or welcoming new babies may have questions about the Babinski reflex, and there is information available that can help.¹‘Babinski Reflex: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003294.htm#:~:text=Babinski reflex is one of,top surface of the foot

What Is the Babinski Reflex?

The Babinski reflex, also known as the plantar reflex, is an automatic reaction in a person's body. When the sole of the foot is stroked firmly, a person with the Babinski reflex may automatically have their big toe flex backwards or towards the top of their foot. The other toes may also fan out.

There are other ways to test for this reflex. The Babinski sign is one of many infant reflexes that typically go away with age and one of many potential signs of neurological problems in older children and adults.²Acharya, Aninda B. ‘Babinski Reflex.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519009