Babinski Sign
August 19th, 2017
Overview
How to Elicit
- Slowly run a key up the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot, from the heel to the base of the toe. Look for movement of the great toe.
Alternatively, run a key up the lateral aspect of the foot.
Abnormal If
- The reflexive movement of the great toe is upgoing (extensor) rather than downgoing.
Significance
- A positive Babinski sign denotes pathology within the pyramidal system, indicative of an upper motor neuron lesion.
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