Reflex+Called+Babinski

8/8/2019 Reflex+Called+Babinski

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Reflex called Babinski

Primitive reflexes

Primitive reflexes are reflex actions originating in the central nervous systemthat 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 mightresurface 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 usuallyprecedes 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 ofstimulation.

Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children up to 2years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomesmore 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 nervepaths connecting the spinal cord and the brain (the corticospinal tract). Thistract runs down both sides of the spinal cord, therefore a Babinski's reflex canoccur 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 andthe 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 of2.

To evoke the Babinski Reflex, the sole of the foot between the heel and the toe isfirmly stroked with a hard tool or a thumb. In infants, this could cause the big toeto extend, pushing outwards, and often the small toes will accompany it in a

splaying motion. Infants demonstrate the reflex because their brains are not fullymature, so the protections which prevent the Babinski Reflex are not yetpresent.

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

If the Babinski Reflex is detected in adults, a neurologist will usually requestadditional diagnostic tests. These tests are used to determine the underlyingcondition which allows the Babinski Reflex to occur, and once a diagnosis ismade, a doctor can make treatment recommendations and discuss options withthe patient.

Considerations

Reflexes are specific, predictable, involuntary responses to a particular type ofstimulation.

Babinski's reflex is one of the infantile reflexes. It is normal in children up to 2years old, but it disappears as the child ages and the nervous system becomesmore 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 nervepaths 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 canoccur 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 evaluateneurological 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 redevelopmentof an infantile reflex in an older child or adult may suggest significant central nervoussystem, 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 includeturning the head to locate sounds, visually fixing on close objects, vocallyresponding to familiar voices and smiling in response to stimuli.

Typically, a person (older than an infant) who has a Babinski's reflex will alsohave in coordination, weakness, and difficulty with muscle control. Safety isimportant to prevent the risk of injury. The person may need assistance withactivity, 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 isfirmly stroked with a hard tool or a thumb. In infants, this could cause the big toeto extend, pushing outwards, and often the small toes will accompany it in asplaying motion. Infants demonstrate the reflex because their brains are not fullymature, 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 normalor negative Babinski Reflex. Some people experience a neutral reflex, in whichthe toes remain in position. If the toes extend, it signifies a problem. Theabnormal Babinski Reflex in adults can occur in one or both feet, as thepathways which cause the reflex are present on the right and left side of thebody. Many adults with an abnormal Babinski Reflex may also experiencecoordination 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 underlyingcondition which allows the Babinski Reflex to occur, and once a diagnosis ismade, a doctor can make treatment recommendations and discuss options withthe patient.


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Moro reflex

The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is startled or feelslike they are falling. The infant will have a "startled" look and the arms will flingout sideways with the palms up and the thumbs flexed. Absence of the Mororeflex 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 commonlyappearing at birth or shortly thereafter. They appear commonly at the base ofthe spine, on the buttocks and back and also can appear on the shoulders.Mongolian spots are benign and are not associated with any conditions orillnesses.


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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 mainfunctions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors

such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions thatcan kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defenseagainst ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important functionof the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a coldtemperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the bloodwhich is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature ofthe cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are notdiverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is anincredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

Causes

Generalized tonic-clonic seizureGeneralized tonic-clonic seizure (theremay be a temporary Babinski's reflex for a short time after a seizureseizure)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosisAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig'sdisease)


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Brain tumorBrain tumor (if it injures or puts pressure on the corticospinaltract)

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

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Reflex+Called+Babinski