Main Entry: Ba·bin·ski reflex

Pronunciation: \bə-ˌbin-skē-\

Variant(s): also Ba·bin·ski's reflex \-skēz-\

Function: noun

: a reflex movement in which when the sole is tickled the great toe turns upward instead of downward and which is normal in infancy but indicates damage to the central nervous system (as in the pyramidal tracts) when occurring later in life—called also Babinski, Babinski sign, Babinski's sign; compare plantar reflex

[Babinski reflex illustration]

Babinski, Joseph–François–Felix (1857–1932), French neurologist. One of the leading neurologists of his time, Babinski published more than 200 papers, making many important contributions to clinical neurology. In 1896 he made his most famous contribution, his original description of the plantar reflex. He is also known for his critical analysis of cerebellar physiology and symptomatology. He introduced the concept of asynergia and described adiadokokinesis, the inability to perform rapid alternating movements.