Babinski reflex in child

[pbjmom1]

I have a little boy who is 2.5 years old.  Recently we saw the pediatrician who told me to take him to a neurologist.   He does have the Babinski Reflex in both feet.   He has NO other signs or symptoms other than he has hypertonic muscles and in turn toe walks.   He has no delays and is perfectly healthy.   Could this Babinski reflex be considred benign?  

[pbjmom1]

Thank you so much.   A bit of time and kindness during this situation has been greatly appreciated.   I guess the prudent thing to do would be to have the MRI done next week.   He is scheduled for next Wednesday so send good thoughts his way!!

Thank you again!

[suspiciouscombo]

JJs wisdom is to be admired .......

[supermum_ms]

At 2.5 he definitely would be on the 'very' edge of developmental norms, I personally understand how frighting it can be to be facing something potentially being wrong with your bright happy child but I also understand how vitally important it is to put your self aside and be proactive with his future health and well being.

My son reached developmental milestones early, we always knew he wasn't like other kids his age, something being wrong was furthest from our minds but even though he was physically and cognitively advanced, he was dx with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Asperger's) when he was 3.  

As much as i do not want to scare you, deep down you know something is not quite right and as parent's you need to know exactly what is going on with him so you can understand him and provide him with what ever it is that he needs to develop and grow.

The 'label' is only the beginning, big or small all the hard work as a parent comes after knowing what's going on with your child, you can't understand what you don't acknowledge but once you do, if necessary you will climb mountains to make things happen for him....

It may be something or it may be nothing, regardless you need to know!

Hugs.......JJ

ps he's now doing his final exams before uni, labels are just the beginning...  
    

[pbjmom1]

Thank you very much.  I truly appreciate your time.   I actually put it under MS forum as the doctors will be checking for upper neuron disease and lesions of the CNS.  I figured the people in this group would have to be pretty knowledgeable.   My pediatrician and neurologist have told me that the Babinski should be gone generally by 1 and at the latest 2?   My child is physically very healthy and really active and agile.  He never complains and is very bright.   I just don't want to do an elective MRI if the Babinski is in fact still normal at this age.  I was set to take him to a physical medicine doctor and instead we wound up at a neurologist.   I don't want to be in denial but don't want to do a sedated MRI if it is still considered normal.  

[supermum_ms]

Hi there,

I'm not sure why your paediatric question has landed in the MS community but from what I understand the Babinski reflex is actually a sign of hypertonicity and children up to 2.5yrs still displaying the Babinski reflex would still be within the normal developmental range. It's possible your paediatrician is being proactive and wants to be 100% sure there isn't a neurological issue but personally I would suggest you consider getting him assessed by a developmental and behavioural specialist preferably at a children's hospital for a more complete evaluation.  

Cheers........JJ