Editing Plantar reflex (section)

==Methods==
[[File:BabinskiSign.jpg|thumb|240px|Pathological Babinski's sign in adult]]

The [[Human anatomical terms#Near or away from the vertical longitudinal center of the body|lateral]] side of the [[sole (foot)|sole of the foot]] is rubbed with a blunt instrument or device, so as not to cause pain, discomfort, or injury to the skin; the instrument is run from the heel along a curve to the [[toe]]s<ref>{{DorlandsDict|seven/000091594|plantar reflex}}</ref> ([[metatarsus|metatarsal]] pads). Many [[reflex hammer]]s taper at the end of the handle to a point which was used for testing the plantar response in the past; due to the tightening of [[infection control]] regulation this is no longer recommended. Either a single use device or the thumbnail should be used.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}

There are three responses possible:
*Flexor: the toes curve down and inwards, and the foot [[inversion (kinesiology)|inverts]]; this is the response seen in healthy adults.
*Indifferent: there is no response. This is called the neutral response, and has no clinical significance, as it does not rule out pathology.<ref>{{Citation |last=Acharya |first=Aninda B. |title=Babinski Reflex |date=2023 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519009/ |work=StatPearls |access-date=2023-12-04 |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=30085551 |quote="If there is no movement, then this is considered a neutral response and has no clinical significance." "Sometimes there is no response to stimulation. This is called a neutral response. This response does not rule out pathology." |last2=Jamil |first2=Radia T. |last3=Dewey |first3=Jeffrey J.}}</ref>
*Extensor: the [[hallux]] [[dorsiflexion|dorsiflexes]], and the other toes fan out. If elicited in an adult, it indicates damage to the [[central nervous system]], but it is a normal reflex in infants (see below). It is also known as the Babinski Sign.

As the [[lesion]] responsible for the sign expands, so does the area from which the [[Afferent nerve|afferent]] Babinski response may be elicited. The Babinski response is also normal while asleep and after a long period of walking.