Throckmorton's reflex
Encyclopedia
Throckmorton's reflex is a clinical sign
in which pressure over the dorsal side of the metatarsophalangeal joint
of the big toe elicits a plantar reflex
. It is found in patients with pyramidal tract
lesions, and is one of a number of Babinski-like responses.
The sign is named after Tom Bentley Throckmorton
.
Medical sign
A medical sign is an objective indication of some medical fact or characteristic that may be detected by a physician during a physical examination of a patient....
in which pressure over the dorsal side of the metatarsophalangeal joint
Metatarsophalangeal articulations
The metatarsophalangeal articulations are the joints between the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal bones of the toes...
of the big toe elicits a plantar reflex
Plantar reflex
The plantar reflex is a reflex elicited when the sole of the foot is stimulated with a blunt instrument. The reflex can take one of two forms. In normal adults the plantar reflex causes a downward response of the hallux...
. It is found in patients with pyramidal tract
Corticospinal tract
The corticospinal or pyramidal tract is a collection of axons that travel between the cerebral cortex of the brain and the spinal cord....
lesions, and is one of a number of Babinski-like responses.
The sign is named after Tom Bentley Throckmorton
Tom Bentley Throckmorton
Tom Bentley Throckmorton was an American neurologist remembered for describing Throckmorton's reflex. He studied at the Jefferson Medical College, graduating M.D. in 1909 with a gold medal for the best neurological examination...
.