What Are the Treatments for Plantar Reflex?

The plantar reflex is a reflex of the lower foot that affects the toes. It is not an illness and so cannot be treated. However, an abnormal plantar reflex may be a symptom of a condition that can and should be treated. Some symptoms may be caused by an abnormal plantar reflex.

Plantar Reflex

• The plantar reflex is tested by running a hard instrument down the length of the sole of the foot from the heel to the ball. When this occurs, the toes should react by curling in towards the sole of the foot. There are two abnormal responses. The first is that the toes do not react at all. The second is sometimes called Babinski's reflex.

Babinski's Reflex

• Babinski's reflex occurs when a hard instrument is run down the sole of the foot from the heel to the ball and the toes curl away from the sole of the foot. This is the natural response in children under the age of two. However, when the reflex occurs after this age it can indicate damage to the nerve connection between the brain and the spine. An abnormal plantar reflex is not treatable, but what causes it may be.

Additional Symptoms

• People with Babinski's reflex also typically exhibit a lack of coordination and weakness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may also exhibit Babinski's reflex, which may be useful in diagnosing the condition that is causing your problems.

Causes

• There are many conditions that can cause an abnormal plantar reflex such as the Babinski reflex. Most of these originate in the spine and include tuberculosis (when it affects the spine), Lou Gehrig's disease, meningitis, multiple sclerosis and injuries to the spinal cord. A head injury or brain tumor may also cause an abnormal plantar reflex.

Considerations

• If you find that you have an abnormal plantar reflex, it is vital to consult your doctor as soon as possible to diagnose the cause of the abnormality.