Babinski's sign
Babinski's Sign
Babinski's sign (/bəˈbɪnskiːz saɪn/; from the French neurologist Joseph Babinski) is a physical examination response that indicates damage to the central nervous system. It is one of the most commonly used neurological examinations in clinical practice.
Pronunciation
The term is pronounced as bə-BIN-skeez sign.
Etymology
The sign is named after the French neurologist Joseph Babinski, who first described the phenomenon in 1896.
Definition
Babinski's sign is a pathological reflex that is indicative of upper motor neuron disease. It is elicited when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked. The normal response is for the big toe to flex towards the ground. However, if the big toe extends upwards towards the top of the foot, this is known as a positive Babinski's sign.
Related Terms
- Upper motor neuron: A type of nerve cell in the brain and spinal cord that is involved in controlling the movements of the body.
- Reflex: An automatic response to a stimulus.
- Pathological reflex: A reflex that is abnormal and indicative of some sort of disease or injury.
- Neurological examination: A series of tests that are performed to assess the function of the nervous system.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Babinski's sign
- Wikipedia's article - Babinski's sign
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