A positive Babinski sign is a classic pathological reflex that suggests damage to the organism’s pyramidal tract, but it should not be used alone to establish a diagnosis. When the spinal cord loses control from the motor areas of the cerebral cortex, a specific spinal reflex occurs, which manifests itself as a backward bending of the big toe and an outward expansion of the four toes like a fan when the foot is tickled with a blunt instrument. The adult spinal cord functions under the control of the motor areas of the cerebral cortex. Normally, this reflex is inhibited from manifesting itself. Once the pyramidal system is damaged and this inhibition is lost, Babinski’s sign occurs. However, infants can normally show a similar response due to incomplete neurological development. A positive Babinski sign in adults can be seen in a variety of CNS disorders and is one of the hallmarks of upper motor neuron damage. Inflammation, tumors, and vascular disorders of the CNS are all associated with a positive Babinski’s sign. However, the diagnosis cannot be determined solely on this basis. If you suspect a neurological problem, it is recommended that you seek prompt medical attention to determine the cause and avoid delays.