Babinski's reflex. All about pathology

A pathology called the Babinsky reflex is a fairly common phenomenon among newborn babies. In a healthy child, this ailment disappears with the development of the cerebral cortex.

Reflex Babinsky is differently called a symptom of extension of the big toe. It is caused by intense stimulation of the external part of the foot of the baby in the direction from the bottom up. The normal response is the gradual extension of the first finger. In healthy children this reaction can be traced already in the first half of the year. When the reflex arc is irritated , the other toes of the foot can be slightly bent, remain still or fan out. Absence of a reflex, as well as difficulties in bending fingers, can indicate a defeat of the reflex arc. Reflex Babinsky can occur in children up to 2-3 years. And this will not be considered a pathology, unless there are other signs of damage to the nervous system. The manifestation of this reaction in children older than four years indicates the pathology of the motor neuron.

This symptom is named after its discoverer - the French neuropathologist Joseph Babinsky. Revealing the reflex does not require any special equipment, is performed very quickly and gives very reliable results about the state of the human nervous system.

Method of conducting.

The neurologist spends the back of the malleus over the outer and inner surfaces of the sole. Touch should be easy so as not to cause pain. With normal development, there is a positive symptom of Babinsky.

Value.

A negative result indicates a variety of neurological disorders. It is the first sign of infantile cerebral palsy, it can indicate a disorder of cerebral circulation, CNS tumors, etc.

Babinsky's syndrome in adults.

Disappearing in early childhood, the reflex may reappear as a result of disruption in the functioning of the cerebral cortex. If the adult's foot is irritated, the fingers should normally curl up. In some cases, a neutral reflection is observed, with the legs remaining in the same position. If the fingers extend, this indicates a pathology. Reflex Babinskogo can be observed both on one, and on both extremities simultaneously. Some patients may experience coordination problems and other neurological disorders.

Babinsky's reflex, revealed in adults, indicates the defeat of the motor neuron system . It is responsible for the interaction of certain parts of the spinal cord and brain. In this case, the arrival of impulses to motor neurons ceases, which causes this syndrome. In adults, this feature can be a sign of stroke, tumors of the spinal cord or brain, multiple sclerosis and other diseases. To date, the reflex is an important diagnostic tool that precedes the appearance of quite serious neurological diseases. When an adult is diagnosed, additional diagnostic tests are usually prescribed. They are used to identify the true cause of the reflex. After an accurate diagnosis, the neurologist can determine the course of treatment.