Babinski’s reflex is a neurological condition that is used to assess the integrity of the central nervous system. It is named after the French neurologist Joseph Babinski who discovered it in 1896. The reflex is characterized by an abnormal extension of the big toe and fanning of the other toes when the sole of the foot is stimulated.
Definitions
Babinski’s reflex is a reflex that is elicited by stroking the sole of the foot. It is characterized by an upward movement of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is typically seen in infants and disappears as the nervous system matures. However, in some adults, the reflex may reappear due to damage to the central nervous system.
Origin
Babinski’s reflex was first described by Joseph Babinski, a French neurologist, in 1896. He observed that when the sole of the foot was stimulated, the big toe would extend upwards and the other toes would fan out. He named this reflex the “plantar reflex” or the “Babinski sign.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Babinski’s reflex is “an extensor response of the great toe and sometimes of other toes elicited by firmly stroking the sole of the foot that is normal in infants but may indicate damage to the corticospinal tract in adults.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an abnormal reflex action in which the great toe moves upwards and the other toes fan outwards, elicited by stroking the sole of the foot, especially in cases of injury to the spinal cord.”
Associations
Babinski’s reflex is associated with damage to the central nervous system, particularly the corticospinal tract. It is commonly seen in conditions such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. It can also be a sign of a brain tumor or stroke.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Babinski’s reflex include the plantar reflex, the Babinski sign, and the Babinski response.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for Babinski’s reflex.
The same root words
Babinski’s reflex is named after Joseph Babinski, the French neurologist who discovered it. The reflex is also sometimes referred to as the plantar reflex.
Example Sentences
- The doctor tested the patient’s Babinski reflex to assess the integrity of their nervous system.
- The presence of Babinski’s reflex in an adult can indicate damage to the central nervous system.
- The absence of Babinski’s reflex in an infant is a sign of normal neurological development.
Babinski’s reflex is an important neurological sign that can indicate damage to the central nervous system. It is characterized by an upward movement of the big toe and fanning of the other toes when the sole of the foot is stimulated. While it is normal in infants, its presence in adults can indicate a serious underlying condition.