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The Gordon reflex is a pathologic plantar reflex used in neurologic examination to assess for upper motor neuron dysfunction involving the corticospinal tract. The reflex is elicited by firmly squeezing the calf musculature and observing for dorsiflexion of the great toe, with or without fanning of the remaining toes, indicating an abnormal extensor plantar response. The finding is comparable to the Babinski sign and supports the presence of central nervous system pathology. The Gordon reflex is particularly useful when traditional plantar stimulation is not tolerated or yields equivocal results. Common clinical contexts include evaluation of suspected stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders affecting upper motor neuron pathways. Proper technique and interpretation enhance the diagnostic value of the neurologic examination. This educational activity strengthens clinician competence in performing and interpreting the Gordon reflex within a structured neurologic assessment. Participants learn appropriate examination techniques, recognize abnormal responses, and integrate findings with other upper motor neuron signs to improve diagnostic accuracy. The course emphasizes clinical decision-making regarding further evaluation, imaging, and referral when abnormal reflexes are identified. Collaboration within an interprofessional healthcare team, including neurology clinicians, nursing staff, and rehabilitation specialists, supports timely diagnosis, coordinated care planning, and improved patient outcomes through early recognition and management of neurologic disease. Objectives: Identify the clinical significance of the Gordon reflex in detecting upper motor neuron lesions. Implement the proper technique to safely and accurately elicit the Gordon reflex during neurologic examination. Apply Gordon reflex findings to support clinical diagnosis and guide further neurologic evaluation. Communicate examination findings clearly with patients and healthcare team members to support diagnostic and treatment decisions. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

The Gordon reflex is a pathologic plantar reflex used to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract and identify upper motor neuron lesions. Clinicians elicit this reflex by firmly compressing the calf muscles while observing for dorsiflexion of the great toe, with or without fanning of the other toes. This extensor plantar response indicates dysfunction of descending motor pathways and is considered abnormal in adults. The Gordon reflex is one of several Babinski-equivalent reflexes (eg, Chaddock and Oppenheim) and serves as a useful adjunct to the neurologic examination, particularly when traditional plantar stimulation is contraindicated, poorly tolerated, or produces equivocal findings.[1][2] See StatPearls companion topics, "Chaddock Reflex" and "Neuroanatomy, Upper Motor Neuron Signs," for additional discussion on the Chaddock and Oppenheim reflexes. Assessment of the Gordon reflex requires no specialized equipment and can be performed quickly at the bedside, making it a practical tool in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient evaluations. Accurate elicitation and interpretation of this reflex can aid in the early detection of neurologic disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and other conditions affecting upper motor neuron pathways. Incorporating the Gordon reflex into routine neurologic examination enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports timely evaluation and management of patients with suspected central nervous system pathology.

The Gordon reflex is a pathologic plantar reflex used to help identify upper motor neuron lesions involving the corticospinal tract. Clinicians elicit the reflex by firmly squeezing the patient’s calf muscle while observing the ipsilateral toes for an extensor plantar response, characterized by dorsiflexion of the great toe with or without fanning of the other toes. This finding is similar to the Babinski sign and supports the presence of central nervous system dysfunction. The Gordon reflex is a useful adjunct to the neurologic examination, particularly when Babinski testing is not feasible or yields equivocal results. Proper technique, patient positioning, and awareness of contraindications are essential to ensure accurate assessment and patient safety. Effective use of the Gordon reflex requires coordinated interprofessional collaboration to optimize diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Physicians and advanced practitioners integrate reflex findings into the overall neurologic assessment and determine the need for further diagnostic evaluation. Nurses assist with patient positioning, monitoring, and early recognition of abnormal neurologic findings. Pharmacists contribute by reviewing medications that may affect neurologic function or contribute to underlying conditions. Clear communication among healthcare team members ensures accurate documentation, timely recognition of neurologic abnormalities, and appropriate referral or intervention. Coordinated care and shared clinical decision-making enhance patient-centered care, improve patient safety, support accurate diagnosis of upper motor neuron pathology, and strengthen overall team performance.