Definition of Babinski Reflex

Babinski reflex is very common among extremely young children and is considered as a problem if it occurs in children above age the age of 2 years. If the big toe moves near the top surface of the foot whenever the sole of the foot is stimulated, then the condition is referred to as babinski reflex. It is also known as babinski sign, koch sign or babinski response. It is normal in infants and disappears by the 12^th or 18^th month as the nervous system gets developed. However if it doesn’t disappear and occurs after age 2, then it needs to be treated with serious concern.

Understanding Babinski Reflex

If a child suffers from this disorder after age two, then it suggests that child’s nervous system has been damaged and isn’t working properly. The most common symptoms of babinski reflex are extreme weakness, loss of muscle control and in coordination. Any child having these symptoms needs to be provided with help during any physical activity in order to avoid any injury. It also has to be kept in mind that the environment should be clean, open and free of any hazards as the child can fall any time. If the above precautions are taken then chance of any severe or minor injury is greatly reduced. This reflex is used as a very important diagnostic tool in order to provide basic information about the condition of the nervous system of the patient. The test or exam is very easy and can be performed without any special equipment. The spinal cord and the brain are connected with several nerve paths and occurrence of babinski reflex suggests that these nerve paths have been damaged. This reflex may be present at only one side of the body or may be present at both the sides. Babinski reflex present in children above the age of 2 years is considered as abnormal and may be temporary or permanent.

Babinski Reflex Treatment

Normally people fail to detect the presence of babinski reflex and mostly doctors are able to diagnose this problem. Whenever a child over 2 years has been diagnosed with babinski reflex, then a complete physical examination of the nervous system takes place. Several tests such as angiography of the head, blood test, CT scan, MRI scan, lumbar puncture and aomatosensory are used in order to provide in depth information about the nervous system.