Babinski sign

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Babinski sign. Warn the patient that the foot will be scratched. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Procedure for testing

  • Warn the patient that the foot will be scratched
  • Examine the foot when the muscles are completely relaxed
  • Keep the knee slightly flexed
  • Keep the hip in slight external rotation
  • Stimulate the lateral planter surface and plantar arch

Features

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Involved muscles

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Implications

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Causes of Babinski sign with absent ankle jerks

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Alternate signs

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References

  1. van Gijn J. The Babinski reflex. Postgrad Med J 1995; 71:645-648.
  2. Rehman HU. Babinski sign. Neurologist 2002; 8:316-318.
  3. Kumar SP, Ramasubramanian D. The Babinski sign-a reappraisal. Neurol India 2000; 48:314-318.
  4. Bhidayasiri R, Waters MF, Giza CC. Neurological differential diagnosis. A prioritized approach. Blackwell publishing Massachusetts 2005 p70.
  5. Tacik P, Krasnianski M, Zierz S. Puusepp's sign-clinical significance of a forgotten pyramidal sign. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2009; 111:919-921. 
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