In a 3-month-old infant, which finding indicates a normal Babinski reflex?

In a 3-month-old infant, which finding indicates a normal Babinski reflex?

• A. The infant turns to the side that is touched.
• B. The fingers curl tightly and the toes curl forward.
• C. The toes flare and the big toe is dorsiflexed.
• D. There is extension of the extremities on the side to which the head is turned, with flexion on the opposite side.

Answer: (C)

Babinski reflex behavior in early infancy shows immature corticospinal pathways. When the sole is stroked from the heel to the ball, a normal response in a 3-month-old is dorsal extension of the big toe with fanning of the other toes. This upward toe extension is expected at this age, whereas in older children and adults it would suggest a central nervous system issue if present. The other responses described reflect different reflexes or postures (rooting reflex turning toward touch, a different toe curling pattern, or the asymmetric tonic neck reflex), not the Babinski pattern.

Babinski reflex behavior in early infancy shows immature corticospinal pathways. When the sole is stroked from the heel to the ball, a normal response in a 3-month-old is dorsal extension of the big toe with fanning of the other toes. This upward toe extension is expected at this age, whereas in older children and adults it would suggest a central nervous system issue if present. The other responses described reflect different reflexes or postures (rooting reflex turning toward touch, a different toe curling pattern, or the asymmetric tonic neck reflex), not the Babinski pattern.