What Is The Babinski Reflex?

The babinski reflex in newborns causes the baby to spread with the toes when you pull your finger along the sole of the foot. The reflex is also known as Babinski’s toe phenomenon and is then an examination method that is practiced on the elderly.

The reflex occurs naturally in children up to 2 years of age. Sometimes, however, it can disappear as early as one year of age. It usually disappears when the baby starts to crawl and walk.

The babin ski reflex in children older than 2 years

If the reflex does not disappear after 2 years of age, it may indicate a possible disturbance in the central nervous system. If you notice that your child has the reflex after 2 years of age, contact your pediatrician so that he can evaluate the situation.

Doctors can provoke the babin ski reflex during physical examinations. Parents can also do it at home – just stroke the lateral part of the child’s foot with one finger.

Mild pressure on certain parts of the leg can also irritate the reflex, but the most effective method is to stimulate the sole of the foot.

Your finger must move from the heel upwards along the sole of the foot until it reaches the toes. The reflex is very easy to observe in newborns.

What reactions can you get?

Depending on whether there are nerve problems in the foot or not and whether it is a child or an adult who is being tested, there are specific reactions you can get.

Bending

A baby responds to the stimulus with its toes. Healthy adults, on the other hand, move the bone that forms the heel away from the imaginary central line that passes through the body when the sole of the foot is stimulated.

Extension

Another answer that children can show is an extension. The big toe rises and the other toes spread out. It is called a “positive babin ski reflex” and is completely normal in newborns.

Ambiguous

In some cases, you can get ambiguous answers. The baby’s toes may bend and then spread out. In other cases, it is done unilaterally.

To ensure that there is no nerve damage, it is important to test other variants of the babin ski reflex when this occurs.

Conditions associated with the babin ski reflex

It is important to emphasize that the babinski reflex should be present in newborns until they begin to walk. It should then disappear and then be replaced by the reflex that pulls the toes away.

If you can not see the babinski reflex during the first 6 months after birth, it is considered a negative response to the stimulus. This may indicate certain abnormalities such as cerebral palsy, developmental disorders or, less often, delayed motor functions.

In older children, it may indicate metabolic or structural abnormalities in the nervous system. This can lead to various symptoms such as lack of coordination, difficulty controlling muscle movements, weakness and fatigue.

Sometimes the reflex is present on one side of the body but not the other. This may indicate which side of the brain is affected.

It is important for parents to be aware of this important reflex. Try to find out if your child reacts properly when you stimulate him or her and contact a doctor if the child continues to present the reflex after he or she starts walking. Your pediatrician will examine your child’s reflexes and answer any questions you may have.