Testing For the Babinski Response
PURPOSE
The purpose of testing for the Babinski response is to look for evidence of a lesion involving the corticospinal tract.
WHEN TO TEST FOR THE BABINSKI RESPONSE
Testing for the Babinski response should be performed on all patients as part of a standard neurologic examination.
NEUROANATOMY OF THE BABINSKI RESPONSE
The corticospinal tracts originate in the motor neurons of the cerebral cortex (the upper motor neurons) and descend into the opposite side of the spinal cord (see Chapter 24, Approach to the Motor Examination). The corticospinal tracts have an inhibitory influence on the Babinski sign; the inhibitory influence of an intact corticospinal tract suppresses the Babinski sign entirely.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO TEST THE BABINSKI RESPONSE
A blunt (preferably disposable) object, such as the bottom of a closed safety pin, a wooden stick, or a split tongue depressor.
HOW TO EXAMINE THE BABINSKI RESPONSE
Testing for the Babinski response can be performed with the patient sitting or lying down. The patient’s foot should be relaxed.
With a blunt object, stroke the sole of one foot, starting near the heel and proceeding forward along the lateral sole. The maneuver should be performed in one smooth motion over 1 or 2 seconds. Observe the response (particularly the response of the big toe).Related posts:
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
