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Plantar reflex

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The plantar reflex is used to diagnose an upper motor neurone lesion above the S1 segment.

Warn the patient what is to occur. Using a blunt object, such as motor car key, stroke up the lateral aspect of the sole, curving inwards before you reach the middle metatarsophalangeal joint.

Interpretation of results:

  • normal response - flexion of the big toe at the MTP joint in patients over one year of age
  • Babinski response - extension of the toe at the MTP joint - this indicates an upper motor neurone lesion

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