Reflex called Babinski

Primitive reflexes

Primitive reflexes are reflex actions originating in the central nervous system
that are exhibited by normal infants but not neurologically intact adults, in
response to particular stimuli. These reflexes disappear or are inhibited by the
frontal lobes as a child moves through normal child development. These
primitive reflexes are also called infantile, infant or newborn reflexes.

Older children and adults with a typical neurology (for instance, people with
cerebral palsy) may retain these reflexes and primitive reflexes may re-appear in
adults because of certain neurological conditions including, but not limited to,
dementia, traumatic lesions, and strokes. An individual with cerebral palsy and
typical intelligence can learn to suppress these reflexes, but the reflex might
resurface under certain conditions such as during an extreme startle reaction.
Reflexes may also be limited to those areas affected by the atypical neurology,
such as individuals whose cerebral palsy affects only their legs retaining the
Babinski reflex but having normal speech; in individuals with hemiplegia, the
reflex might be seen in the foot on the affected side only.

The Babinski Reflex or plantar reflex is a reflex which occurs in infants when the
sole of the foot is firmly stroked. By age two, the reflex should disappear. In
children and adults, the appearance of the Babinski Reflex is a sign of a
neurological disorder which may affect the brain or spinal cord, and it usually
precedes the development of more severe neurological symptoms. This makes
the Babinski Reflex a useful diagnostic tool.

This reflex is named for Joseph Babinski, the French neurologist who first took
note of it in his patients and described it for the medical community. It is a very
useful diagnostic tool because it requires no special equipment, and it can be
performed very quickly in a basic neurological exam which is designed to
provide information about the general condition of a patient's nervous system.

Reflexes are specific, predictable, involuntary responses to a particular type of

stimulation.

Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children up to 2

years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomes
more developed. It may disappear as early as 12 months.

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The presence of a Babinski's reflex after age 2 is a sign of damage to the nerve
paths connecting the spinal cord and the brain (the corticospinal tract). This
tract runs down both sides of the spinal cord, therefore a Babinski's reflex can
occur on one side or on both sides.

An abnormal Babinski's reflex can be temporary or permanent.

Babinski's reflex occurs when the big toe moves toward the top of the foot and
the other toes fan out after the sole of the foot has been firmly stroked.

This reflex, or sign, is normal in younger children, but abnormal after the age of
2.

To evoke the Babinski Reflex, the sole of the foot between the heel and the toe is
firmly stroked with a hard tool or a thumb. In infants, this could cause the big toe
to extend, pushing outwards, and often the small toes will accompany it in a
splaying motion. Infants demonstrate the reflex because their brains are not fully
mature, so the protections which prevent the Babinski Reflex are not yet
present.

In adults, the same stroking motion should cause the toes to curl up, in a normal
or negative Babinski Reflex. Some people experience a neutral reflex, in which
the toes remain in position. If the toes extend, it signifies a problem. The
abnormal Babinski Reflex in adults can occur in one or both feet, as the
pathways which cause the reflex are present on the right and left side of the
body. Many adults with an abnormal Babinski Reflex may also experience
coordination problems and other neurological difficulties.

If the Babinski Reflex is detected in adults, a neurologist will usually request

additional diagnostic tests. These tests are used to determine the underlying
condition which allows the Babinski Reflex to occur, and once a diagnosis is
made, a doctor can make treatment recommendations and discuss options with
the patient.

Considerations
Reflexes are specific, predictable, involuntary responses to a particular type of
stimulation.

Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children up to 2

years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomes
more developed. It may disappear as early as 12 months.

The presence of a Babinski's reflex after age 2 is a sign of damage to the nerve
paths connecting the spinal cord and the brain (the corticospinal tract). This

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tract runs down both sides of the spinal cord, therefore a Babinski's reflex can
occur on one side or on both sides.

An abnormal Babinski's reflex can be temporary or permanent.

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 Infantile reflexes

Infantile reflexes are tested and observed by medical professionals to evaluate

neurological function and development. Absent or abnormal reflexes in an infant,

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persistence of a reflex past the age where the reflex is normally lost, or redevelopment
of an infantile reflex in an older child or adult may suggest significant central nervous
system, nerve trunk, or peripheral nerve problems.

Skull of a newborn

Infant - newborn development Developmental milestones

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Some of the developmental characteristics of a healthy 2 month old baby include
turning the head to locate sounds, visually fixing on close objects, vocally
responding to familiar voices and smiling in response to stimuli.

Typically, a person (older than an infant) who has a Babinski's reflex will also
have in coordination, weakness, and difficulty with muscle control. Safety is
important to prevent the risk of injury. The person may need assistance with
activity, and the environment should be kept free of hazards.

To evoke the Babinski Reflex, the sole of the foot between the heel and the toe is
firmly stroked with a hard tool or a thumb. In infants, this could cause the big toe
to extend, pushing outwards, and often the small toes will accompany it in a
splaying motion. Infants demonstrate the reflex because their brains are not fully
mature, so the protections which prevent the Babinski Reflex are not yet
present.

In adults, the same stroking motion should cause the toes to curl up, in a normal
or negative Babinski Reflex. Some people experience a neutral reflex, in which
the toes remain in position. If the toes extend, it signifies a problem. The
abnormal Babinski Reflex in adults can occur in one or both feet, as the
pathways which cause the reflex are present on the right and left side of the
body. Many adults with an abnormal Babinski Reflex may also experience
coordination problems and other neurological difficulties.

If the Babinski Reflex is detected in adults, a neurologist will usually request

additional diagnostic tests. These tests are used to determine the underlying
condition which allows the Babinski Reflex to occur, and once a diagnosis is
made, a doctor can make treatment recommendations and discuss options with
the patient.

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Moro reflex

The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is startled or feels
like they are falling. The infant will have a "startled" look and the arms will fling
out sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. Absence of the Moro
reflex in newborn infants is abnormal and may indicate an injury or disease.

Neonate - A newly born infant is also called a neonate.

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Mongolian blue spots

Mongolian blue spots are flat bluish- to bluish-gray skin markings commonly
appearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base of
the spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders.
Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions or
illnesses.

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Skin layers

The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails,
sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main
functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors
such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that
can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense
against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function
of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold
temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood
which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of
the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not
diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an
incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

Causes

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizureGeneralized tonic-clonic seizure (there

may be a temporary Babinski's reflex for a short time after a seizureseizure)

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosisAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's

disease)

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• Brain tumorBrain tumor (if it injures or puts pressure on the corticospinal
tract)

• Familial periodic paralysisFamilial periodic paralysis

• Friedreich's ataxiaFriedreich's ataxia

• Head injuryHead injury

• Hepatic encephalopathy

• MeningitisMeningitis

• Multiple sclerosis

• Pernicious anemia

• Poliomyelitis Poliomyelitis (some forms)

• RabiesRabies

• Spinal cord injury

• Spinal cord tumor

• Stroke

• Syringomyelia

• TuberculosisTuberculosis (when it affects the spine)

Also view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOq5Np0eZ6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDvbAvBLQuM&NR=1&feature=fvwp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a3mdUDJBR0&feature=related

cnu.pne

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