The Babinski response is a crucial neurological test that examines the movement of the big toe when the sole of the foot is stimulated. If the big toe moves upward, it may indicate a problem. The response is triggered by stimulating the outer part of the sole, starting from the heel and moving towards the base of the toes. There are several methods to provoke this response, one of which involves applying firm pressure with the examiner's thumb along the outer edge of the sole from back to front. It's important not to apply too much pressure, as excessive force can cause the foot or toe to withdraw, which might be mistakenly interpreted as a Babinski response.In newborns, who are not yet neurologically mature, a Babinski response is common. When their soles are stimulated, they often extend their big toe, a normal occurrence in many infants. However, as they grow, the Babinski response should disappear and, under normal conditions, should not reappear.In older children and adults, a Babinski response is abnormal and signifies an issue within the central nervous system, particularly in the pyramidal tract. If the Babinski response occurs on one side but not the other, it is not only abnormal but also helps identify which side of the CNS is affected.The Babinski reflex goes by several other names, including the plantar reflex, toe phenomenon, or Babinski sign. It is incorrect to refer to the Babinski reflex as positive or negative; it is either present or absent. Despite the Slavic sound of his name, Joseph Francois Felix Babinski (1857-1932) was French, and his contribution to medicine through this reflex ensures he is remembered.
