Showing posts with label Neurology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neurology. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Babinski sign

A Babinski sign in an older child or adult is abnormal. It is a sign of a problem in the central nervous system (CNS), most likely in a part of the CNS called the pyramidal tract. Asymmetry of the Babinski sign -- when it is present on one side but not the other -- is abnormal. It is a sign not merely of trouble but helps to lateralize that trouble (tell which side of the CNS is involved). The Babinski sign is known by a number of other names: the plantar response (because the sole is the plantar surface of the foot), the toe or big toe sign or phenomenon, and the Babinski reflex, response or phenomenon.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Froment’s sign

Froment's sign is a test for ulnar nerve palsy which specifically tests the action of adductor pollicis. The patient is asked to hold a piece of paper between the thumb and a flat palm as the paper is pulled away. Normally an individual will be able to hold the paper there with little or no difficulty. However, the patient with an ulnar nerve palsy will flex the thumb to try to maintain a hold on the paper.