babinski reflex

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Word: Babinski Reflex

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The Babinski reflex is a reaction that occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly, usually from the heel towards the toes. In this case, the big toe extends upward while the other toes may fan out. This reflex is normal in infants under the age of two but can indicate a problem in the brain or spinal cord if it occurs in older individuals.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "Babinski reflex" when discussing neurological tests, particularly in the context of infants or medical evaluations of adults.

Example Sentence:

• "The doctor checked for the Babinski reflex to ensure that the baby's nervous system was developing normally."

Advanced Usage:

• In a medical context, you might say, "The presence of a positive Babinski reflex in an adult can be indicative of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)."

Word Variants:

• Babinski Sign: This is often used interchangeably with "Babinski reflex," but specifically refers to the response itself rather than the reflex as a whole.

Different Meaning:

• "Babinski reflex" does not have other meanings outside of the medical context, as it is a specific term used in neurology.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "Babinski reflex," but it can be related to other reflexes such as the "plantar reflex" (which is the opposite response, where the toes curl down instead of extending).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Babinski reflex" since it is a technical term.

Summary:

The Babinski reflex is a specific neurological response that helps doctors assess the development of babies and detect potential issues in older individuals.

Academic

Noun

1. extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons

Synonyms

• Babinski
• Babinski reflex
• Babinski sign