Babinski and Babinski sign.

Abstract

Babinski's sign probably is the best known neurologic eponym, referring to dorsiflexion of the great toe with or without fanning of the other toes and withdrawal of the leg. This follows plantar stimulation in patients with pyramidal tract dysfunction. Although the plantar reflex already had been described, Babinski--a French neurologist of Polish descent and a pupil of Charcot--was the first to differentiate between a normal and pathologic response of the toes and recognize its clinical implication. Despite the continuing controversy over its pathophysiologic interpretation, the clinical utility of Babinski's sign remains unchanged almost 100 years after its description.