Plantar reflex

As Babinski reflex or Babinski sign is called a pathological reflex that occurs when damage to the corticospinal tract ( pyramidal tract signs ). The reflex is named after the Polish- French neurologist Joseph Babinski, who revealed the neurological background of this disorder ( 1896). In infants, ie in the first year of life, he is still physiologically.

The normal plantar reflex ( plantar reflex) is a foreign reflex, and responds when stroking the sole with a grasping movement ( plantar ) of the toes. For damage to the pyramidal tract such coating mainly of the outer margin of the foot, however, leads to an opposite movement of the big toe upward ( dorsiflexion ) while the other toes perform plantar flexion.

The biological meaning of the Babinski reflex is so far unknown, as its interconnection ( reflex arc ). Also the benefit of its examination under the neurological examination is under discussion. According to one theory, the Babinski sign a Beugesynergismus the Fußbeugemuskulatur dar. In the course of development, a toe flexor muscle, however, has developed into a big toe extensors. Deducted from the spinal cord or brain lesions, the overall control of the foot muscles, which belong together in earlier stages of development muscle groups are activated again together. This leads to the big toe and little toe stretching diffraction.

The presence of the reflex in neonates and infants leads you to the fact that the nerve Enver circuits of the central nervous system are not fully developed. After a few months inhibitory nerves ( inhibitory efferent fibers ) are of the central nervous system that modulate the simple spinal reflexes, trained and the Babinski reflex is suppressed.

Swell

• Disease symptom in neurology
• Foreign reflex