Babinski Reflex an early warning sign - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

abs2004 · 04-04-2005, 12:33 AM

My doctor told me that I have the Babinski reflex at my last physical. She didn't seem too concerned (in fact, she just seemed interested that I had it)... BUT, I'm rather worried, because it is associated with many different neurological disorders. I'm healthy, except for migraine headaches. Could these symptoms be an early warning sign of some disorder, or can I have this reflex and be perfectly healthy?
Thanks for any advice!
Abby

rob_zzz · 04-04-2005, 04:34 AM

Do you know if you've always had it? And do you have any spinal disorders or other neurological disorders? I've got c5/c6 herniated disc with some cord compression and lots of mild symptoms in the legs in the form of tingling, prickling etc. but no babinsky. If I developed babinsky it would probably be a fairly strong indication that I was developing myelopathy and that my condition was progressing and I would be pretty seriously considering surgery asap.

I would recommend seeing a neurologist to find out more, because if you have a progressive condition then you need to know what the treatment options are sooner rather than later.

abs2004 · 04-04-2005, 09:19 PM

Yes, I'm fairly sure it's something I have always had. I know for sure I've had it for at least 6 years, because when I was in college I took a human physiology class and we had a lab that tested for it. I didn't think anything of it at the time, and only recently had a physical where my doctor mentioning it, made me remember. I don't have any disorders that I know of, and no other symptoms other than the reflex. That is why I was wondering if it could just be a fluke and not mean anything, especially since my doctor wasn't concerned. But, how can I get a referel to a neurologist when my doctor isn't even concerned? Now I'm kind of scared! I thought I was perfectly healthy.
~Abby

rob_zzz · 04-05-2005, 05:47 AM

Well if you've always had it and you've got no other health problems, then its probably nothing to worry about. I guess if the doctor wasn't concerned maybe its not uncommon for people to have it. My answer was partially based on the assumption that since this is a spinal disorders board you were on here because you had some spinal problems. Most babies have the babinsky reflex when they're born but it goes away as they get older, but maybe in some people it doesn't.

Sam43 · 04-06-2005, 09:16 AM

Question: What is babinsky reflex??