Persisting Primary Reflexes: Babinski Reflex

Babinski Reflex

The Babinski reflex is a primitive reflex that is typically present in infants and should integrate by the age of 2 years. The reflex is assessed by stroking the sole of the foot, which should result in the toes curling downwards. In the presence of a persisting Babinski reflex, the toes will instead fan out and the big toe will extend upwards. The assessment of the Babinski reflex is typically done by a pediatrician or a neurologist.

Persisting Babinski Reflex

The persisting Babinski reflex can lead to impairments in sensory, motor, and learning domains. In the sensory domain, individuals with a persisting Babinski reflex may have difficulty processing sensory information, leading to difficulties with reading, writing, and spatial awareness. In the motor domain, individuals may have difficulty with gross motor skills such as walking and running, as well as fine motor skills such as handwriting and buttoning clothes. In the learning domain, individuals may have difficulty with attention, concentration, and memory. It is estimated that approximately 2-3% of children may have a persisting Babinski reflex after the age of 2 years.

Impacts on Neurodevelopment

Studies have shown that the persistence of the Babinski reflex may be correlated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. For example, a study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that children with cerebral palsy were more likely to have a persisting Babinski reflex than typically developing children[1]. Another study published in the Journal of Neurology found that the Babinski reflex was present in 80% of patients with multiple sclerosis[2]. These findings suggest that the persistence of the Babinski reflex may be a risk factor for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Imaging Technology for Diagnostic

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) are two neuroimaging techniques that have shown promise in identifying different brain patterns when the brain centers and their functions are impaired due to persisting primary reflexes such as the Babinski reflex.

fNIRS is a non-invasive technique that measures changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain, while EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain. These techniques have been used to identify atypical brain patterns in individuals with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, providing insights into the underlying neurobiology of these disorders. The use of these imaging technologies can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with the persistence of the Babinski reflex.