Skip to main content
Babinski

Babinski

9.9
An upward movement of the toes when someone strokes the bottom of the foot
  • noun
  • /bəˈbɪnski/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reflejo de Babinski
  • The neurologist checked for the Babinski by stroking the patient's foot.

Examples

  • In infants, the Babinski is a normal reflex and usually disappears by age two.

  • A positive Babinski in adults can indicate damage to the central nervous system.

  • The Babinski reflex is important.

  • Look at the Babinski response!

  • The doctor explained that a positive Babinski in adults may suggest possible nerve damage.

  • During the examination, the nurse observed the patient's Babinski response to check for nerve issues.

  • In young children, the presence of a Babinski reflex is expected as part of their normal development.

Synonyms

Babinski reflex
vsBabinski
  • Specialized
1 6.8

Toes move up when the sole is touched, normal in babies but may show nerve damage in adults

is a clearer indicator of nerve damage rather than a possible sign
Babinski sign
vsBabinski
  • Specialized
7.9

A big toe moving upward when the sole is stroked, normal in babies but showing nerve damage in adults

is broader and applies to any toe extension not only the big toe

Compounds

Babinski reflex
  • Specialized
1 6.8

Toes move up when the sole is touched, normal in babies but may show nerve damage in adults

Babinski sign
  • Specialized
7.9

A big toe moving upward when the sole is stroked, normal in babies but showing nerve damage in adults

Surface Forms

Babinski singular
Babinskis plural

Etymology

The word Babinski is named after the Polish doctor Babiński, who first described a reflex where the toes go up when the bottom of the foot is stroked. So a 'positive Babinski' is the 'toes move upward' response, which is normal in babies but in adults usually means nerve damage.