II. Technique
- Using a blunt tool (e.g. reflex hammer handle) stroke the sole of the foot from heel to base of toes
III. Findings
- Normal Response in over age 2 years (down-going toes, Negative Babinksi)
- Plantar flexion of great toe and small toe
- Abnormal Babinski Test (up-going toes, Positive Babinksi)
- Dorsiflexion of the great toe
- Splaying or fanning or all toes
- May be associated with ankle dorsiflexion, and knee/thigh flexion
- Abnormal: Brissaud Reflex
- Tensor Fasciae Lata contraction (lateral thigh) in response to stroking sole of foot in Babinski Test
- Useful to observe when great toe movement cannot be observed (e.g. toe amputation)
IV. Interpretation
- Positive Babinski Reflex is normal in newborns and may be seen in normal children up to age 2 years
- Suggests Upper Motor Neuron Lesion (pyramidal tract deficit) in age over 2 years
V. References
- Degowin and Degowin (1987) Bedside Diagnostic Exam, Macmillan Publishing, New York, p. 818