10 Babinski Reflex FAQs
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
Why Do Babies Have the Babinski Reflex?
The Babinski reflex tests the integrity of the corticospinal tract. This part of the nervous system helps direct motor function. When parts of the corticospinal tract are damaged or underdeveloped, the Babinski reflex may present.2Acharya, Aninda B. ‘Babinski Reflex.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519009
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For babies, having an underdeveloped corticospinal tract is normal. Babies are still growing myelin, fatty protective sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers, to help their nervous system be more effective. So the Babinski reflex shows up frequently in healthy infants.3‘Neural Exam - Newborn Reflexes - Plantar Reflex.’ Embryology, embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php?title=Neural/Exam/-/Newborn/reflexes/-/plantar/reflex
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