Plantar Reflex

The Plantar Reflex is a reflex that occurs when a blunt object is passed along the outer edge of the sole in the direction from the heel to the little toe. The normal flexion response is characterized by plantar flexion of the toes. Dorsiflexion of the big toe characterizes the presence of an extensor response (or Babinski reflex) in a person. In all people over one and a half years old, this reflex is an indicator of the presence of diseases of the brain or spinal cord.

The plantar reflex is a physiological reflex that occurs when a blunt object is passed along the outer edge of the sole of the foot in the direction from the heel to the little toe. The normal reflex response is to plantar flex the toes. However, if a person has an extensor reaction of the big toe (dorsiflexion), then this may be a sign of diseases of the brain and spinal cord, as well as other neurological disorders.

The plantar reflex is one of the most common reflexes that are studied in neurological practice. It helps to assess the state of the nervous system and identify possible diseases of the brain and spinal cord. It can also be used as a diagnostic test to detect nervous system disorders such as stroke, spinal injuries, tumors and other diseases.

To conduct a reflex test, it is necessary to pass a blunt object (for example, a hammer) along the outer edge of the foot in the direction from the heel to the little toe, while the person being tested must be in a supine position. Normally, during the plantar reflex, the big toe should extend and the remaining toes should plantar flex.

If a patient exhibits thumb dorsiflexion, this may indicate the presence of brain or spinal cord disease or other neurological disorders. In this case, it is necessary to conduct additional research to determine the cause of this reflex.

Thus, the plantar reflex can be used to diagnose and treat various diseases of the nervous system. It is an important tool in the work of a neurologist and can help him determine the cause and severity of the disease, as well as prescribe appropriate treatment.

The plantar reflex is a physiological phenomenon that occurs when pressure is applied to the nail of the hand and allows you to assess the state of the body. The study of reflex reactions is one of the methods of neurological diagnostics. Diagnostics of reflexes is part of a complex of methods for studying the nervous system. In diseases, the rate of reflex formation slows down or is distorted, which indicates a pathology of the brain or spinal cord and corrects the further course of treatment with the appointment of appropriate therapy. Therefore, reflexes reflect the function of the nervous system and each of its parts, allowing one to identify problems at an early stage of their development. Determining the duration, intensity, and pathology of the nature of reflexes is important at different stages of the examination when assessing the neuromotor function and psyche of children and adults. If necessary, it is enough to make an assumption based on the nature and other indicators of reflex activity. For example, normal flexion as well as dorsal extension reactions are observed, which have speed and the ability to be resumed upon impact, which determine the signs of the state of brain tissue. If spontaneous or forced repeated influences appear to restore the reflex, this is characteristic of the symptoms of destruction of the cortex, in which there is inhibition of the sensory fibers responsible for sensorimotor functions. Moreover, the first phases of the disorder develop in the periphery, then the damage will spread to deeper parts of the brain involving systems and organs.