Babinski reflex occurs after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked. The big toe then moves upward or toward the top surface of the foot. The other toes fan out. Babinski reflex is one of the normal reflexes in infants and in children up to 2 years old.

Root value (L5/S1/S2) = Babinski Sign

Superficial Reflexes

  • elicited by stroking skin or mucous membranes

Plantar Response (S1-2)

  • Run a blunt object (car key,orange stick) along the lateral border of the sale of the foot toward the little toe.
  • Normal response is flexion of large toe and adduction of other toes.

Babinski’s Sign

stroke lateral aspect of foot and observe for flexion of great toe (normal) - positive Babinski (fanning of the toes) suggests UMN lesion