Define upgoing plantar

Great Answer

Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

"Upgoing plantar" is a term used to describe the reflex primarily of infants to the stroking of the bottom of the foot. Presence of this reflex in children older than one could indicate a disturbance in the central nervous system.

Identification

When stimulated with stroking of the plantar region (sole of the foot), an "upgoing reflex" would include extension of the big toe and fanning out of the remaining four toes.

Significance

It's not uncommon for infants to display the "upgoing reflex," but by their first year, the plantar surface sensitive to the reflex becomes smaller and should diminish by age two.

History

Today's knowledge of permanent "upgoing reflex" has been attributed to Dr. Joseph Babinski, who did extensive study about the topic in 1903. The reflex was previously referred to as the "Babinski reflex" before becoming known as "upgoing plantar."

Effects

Normal adult response to the plantar stroke test is for the toes to curl downward and the plantar region to flex.

Considerations

It used to be thought that an individual who displays a permanent "upgoing plantar" reflex suffered from nerve issues associated with motor neuron lesions, but it's now established that it can be attributed to numerous brain or spinal conditions.

Source:

Wiley InterScience: "Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology"; MacKeith Press; 2010

MedlinePlus: Babinski's Reflex

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

What does it mean when your toes are upgoing

Right upgoing plantar

Upgoing plantar

Right plantar upgoing

Upgoing plantar response

Question

Define upgoing plantar

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.