The Babinski sign is the dorsal extension of the big toe with simultaneous plantarflexion or spreading of the other toes triggered by forcibly stroking the lateral margin of the foot.
Interpretation
The Babinski sign is considered physiological in infants up to about one year. A positive Babinski sign can occur, for example, due to damage to the spinal cord. Space-occupying lesions, especially in the posterior cranial fossa, can lead to both unilateral and bilateral positive Babinski signs[^1] [^2]. A myelopathy can also lead to a positive Babinski sign.
Figures
Illustration of a positive Babinski sign. Illustration taken from Dr. K. Wagner 1921 in Diagnostic neurologique.
Babinski sign
Illustration of a positive Babinski sign. Illustration taken from Dr. K. Wagner 1921 in Diagnostic neurologique.