What does mute plantar response mean?

Plantar reflex is elicited to determine the clinical integrity of the cortical-spinal tract. In normal adults, the toes curl down and in- ward, whereas Babinski sign occurs when the stimulation leads to big toe extension. Not rarely there is no response, called neutral plantar response (NPR) or “mute” plantar reflex.

What is upgoing plantar response?

The abnormal plantar reflex, or Babinski reflex, is the elicitation of toe extension from the “wrong” receptive field, that is, the sole of the foot. Thus a noxious stimulus to the sole of the foot produces extension of the great toe instead of the normal flexion response.

What is the normal plantar response?

The normal plantar reflex consists of flexion of the great toe or no response. With dysfunction of the corticospinal tract, there is a positive Babinski sign, which consists of dorsiflexion of the great toe with an associated fanning of the other toes.

What is an abnormal Babinski reflex?

Are Downgoing Plantars a normal or abnormal neurological response?

The normal response to stroking the sole of the foot is flexion of the toes (downgoing toes). An extensor response is expected in an infant because the corticospinal pathways are not fully myelinated and the reflex is not inhibited by the cerebral cortex.

What is negative Babinski reflex?

The Babinski reflex occurs when the big toe extends up toward the top of the foot. Simultaneously, the other toes fan out away from each other. If this occurs in response to the test, it means that the Babinski reflex is present. If nothing occurs and there is no response, this is a neutral result.

Why does a neurologist want to see me?

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you’re having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors. A neurologist can order specialized testing to help diagnose your condition.

Where are the reflexes and righting reactions located?

PR are mediated at the levels of the spinal cord and brainstem (reptilian brain) and underlie all movements including righting reactions, equilibrium responses, orienting and survival defensive responses of fight, flight.

Which is an example of a reflex action?

It follows this general sequence and does not involve the brain: The nerve pathway followed by a reflex action is called a reflex arc. For example, a simple reflex arc happens if we accidentally touch something hot. Receptor in the skin detects a stimulus (the change in temperature).

When is the snout and grasp reflex present?

The snout reflex is present if tapping a tongue blade across the lips causes pursing of the lips. The rooting reflex is present if stroking the lateral upper lip causes movement of the mouth toward the stimulus. The grasp reflex is present if gently stroking the palm of the patient’s hand causes the fingers to flex and grasp the examiner’s finger.

How are reflexes elicited during a neurological exam?

This is known as the Jendrassik maneuver. It is key to compare the strength of reflexes elicited with each other. A finding of 3+, brisk reflexes throughout all extremities is a much less significant finding than that of a person with all 2+, normal reflexes, and a 1+, diminished left ankle reflex suggesting a distinct lesion.