babinski reflex

[Jen906]

I am a 29-year-old female. Four months ago I went to a neurologist because of migraine headaches. During the course of various tests, he discovered that my left foot had a plantar reflex, I think it's called babinski or bulbar reflex. He said he wasn't worried about it and that sometimes it means nothing but other times it can be a sign of something. I was pregnant so did not want any further testing/MRI etc. Since then I have lived in fear of this foot ref0lex because I have seen online that it can be a sign of ALS, MS, brain tumors, Parkinsons, etc. I have high anxiety related to medical issues anyway, and this has made me a basket case. My family doc told me not to worry about it because I had no symptoms of anything, just the reflex and that a certain percentage of people have the reflex naturally without anything being wrong. I am still paranoid though.

I guess my question is if having the reflex is always a sign of some terrible neurological disease or if my family doctor is correct and some people just have it. I do have a history of familial tremor (my brother, dad, aunt, and I all have slight shaking of the hands...mine is worse on the left side, the same side I have my reflex on). I was wondering if the reflex is present in people who suffer from migraines or familial tremor. I am looking for a way to releive my anxiety!

[Jen906]

Hi Doctor,

Thanks for the quick response. Are these lesions ever non-life threatening, or are they always associated with a terrible disease?

[Jagdish Vishnoi, MD]

Hi,
If you have persistant Babinski reflex(extensor planter reflex) then you should investigate for any underlying disorder.Its abnormal in adults.You are having tremors so get a second opinion from a neurlogist including reflex examination.You need to rule out any cerebellar,cerebral or spinal lesion.For this your neurologist may order MRI of spine or brain depending on overall finding.