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The Babinski reflex was described by the neurologist Joseph Babinski in 1896. Since that time, it has been incorporated into the standard neurological examination. The Babinski reflex is easy to elicit without sophisticated equipment. Since it is a reflex, it does not require active patient participation and, therefore, can be performed in patients who are otherwise unable to cooperate with the neurological exam. This activity describes the Babinski reflex test technique and how to interpret the results. This activity highlights the interprofessional team's role in managing patients with upper motor neuron lesions. Objectives: Assess how the Babinski reflex test is performed. Identify the physiologic pathway of the Babinski reflex. Evaluate the clinical relevance of the Babinski reflex. Communicate how the facilitation of interprofessional team education and discussion can optimize the effective performance of the Babinski reflex test and inform the need for subsequent evaluations. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
The neurologist Joseph Babinski described the Babinski reflex (plantar reflex) in 1896. Since that time, it has been incorporated into the standard neurological examination. The Babinski reflex is easy to elicit without sophisticated equipment. Also, it requires little active patient participation, so it can be performed in patients who cannot cooperate with the neurological exam.[1][2][3] See Image. Pathological Babinski Sign in an Adult.
Healthcare workers should be aware of other methods of elicitation of the Babinski reflex, especially in patients with an absent toe or infection of the soles. The Hoffman reflex in the upper extremity is considered the nearest equivalent of the Babinski sign. They should also be aware of potentially misleading outcomes if the procedure is performed incorrectly.[11]