From the Research
Positive Babinski Reflex Indication
- A positive Babinski reflex, also known as a Babinski sign, is indicative of dysfunction of fibers within the pyramidal tract 1, 2, 3.
- The reflex is characterized by dorsiflexion of the great toe with or without fanning of the other toes and withdrawal of the leg, following plantar stimulation in patients with pyramidal tract dysfunction 2.
- The presence of a Babinski sign suggests upper motor neuron dysfunction, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, including lesions in the central nervous system 1, 3.
- The sign is considered a faithful and precise indicator of dysfunction in the pyramidal tract, and its presence can be used to help diagnose and localize lesions in the central nervous system 1, 3.
Clinical Utility and Reliability
- Despite some controversy over its pathophysiologic interpretation, the clinical utility of the Babinski sign remains unchanged almost 100 years after its description 2.
- The reliability of the Babinski sign has been studied, with some studies finding fair to moderate inter-rater reliability 4, 5.
- The sign is often used in combination with other reflexes, such as the Chaddock and Oppenheim reflexes, to examine the plantar response and assess upper motor neuron function 4.