Does the Babinski sign predict functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Stroke Medicine
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• The Babinski sign is an upper motor neuron reflex.
• Its incidence and prognostic value after acute ischemic stroke require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of the Babinski sign post-acute ischemic stroke.
• To identify neuroimaging risk factors associated with the Babinski sign.
• To evaluate the relationship between the Babinski sign and functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 351 patients with acute ischemic stroke.
• Babinski sign and upper motor neuron signs assessed at multiple time points.
• Neuroimaging analyzed for infarct location, volume, and white matter lesions.
• Functional outcomes assessed at 3-month follow-up using Lawton ADL and modified Rankin Scale.

Main Results:

• Babinski sign observed in 32.8% of patients.
• Associated with higher NIHSS scores, atrial fibrillation, cardioembolism, and basal ganglia infarcts.
• Higher NIHSS score and basal ganglia infarct were significant predictors of Babinski sign presence.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of Babinski sign in acute ischemic stroke is 32.8%.
• Severe infarction, particularly in the basal ganglia, independently predicts the Babinski sign.
• The Babinski sign, though common, does not predict poor functional outcome at 3 months.