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
How Do Doctors Test for the Babinski Reflex?
Doctors commonly test for the presence of the Babinski reflex by running a dull instrument, like a tongue depressor, reflex hammer or the edge of a key, across the side of the foot, from the back of the heel up, and then across the top of the sole of the foot. They then watch for the toes to flex backwards.
If this test is not possible because of an injury or infection to the foot, a doctor may use another variation.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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