Step I Child's Upgoing Babinski - why?

[nowai]

As the title states, I knew that before a certain age but I have no idea why this is the case. After some googling, I'm still at a loss. Anyone have an idea?

 

[UCLAstudent]

Myelination in the spinal cord is not complete at birth --- it continues to occur post-natally. Thus, incomplete corticospinal tract myelination is often cited as the reason.

 

[nowai]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[peter90036]

is there a downgoing Babinksi?

Babinski = "pathologic" = upgoing plantar reflex

downgoing plantar reflex = "normal"

 

[UCLAstudent]

is there a downgoing Babinksi?

Babinski = "pathologic" = upgoing plantar reflex

downgoing plantar reflex = "normal"

You are correct. Babinski is always pathologic. Pet peeve of mine.

 

[FutureInternist]

The confusion is the reason that most docs I worked with told me to just write upgoing or downgoing toes...since everybody knows that one. 🙂

 

[Pewl]

By definition, a "sign" is either present or not present. It's all or nothing!