What is the expected Babinski reflex response when testing a 1-week-old infant?

What is the expected Babinski reflex response when testing a 1-week-old infant?

• A. Dorsiflexion of the big toe
• B. Flexion and extension of the leg
• C. Flexion of the fingers
• D. Extension and adduction of extremities

Answer: (A)

Babinski reflex in newborns is used to assess corticospinal tract maturity. In a 1-week-old infant, the expected response to stroking the sole is dorsiflexion of the big toe with fanning of the other toes. This occurs because the nervous system is still myelinating and inhibitory control over spinal reflexes is not fully developed yet. As the child grows, this response typically disappears and is replaced by plantar flexion of all toes. The other listed movements do not describe the plantar response seen with Babinski testing.

Babinski reflex in newborns is used to assess corticospinal tract maturity. In a 1-week-old infant, the expected response to stroking the sole is dorsiflexion of the big toe with fanning of the other toes. This occurs because the nervous system is still myelinating and inhibitory control over spinal reflexes is not fully developed yet. As the child grows, this response typically disappears and is replaced by plantar flexion of all toes. The other listed movements do not describe the plantar response seen with Babinski testing.