THE PLANTAR REFLEX - RePub

TABLE IV
INFORMATION PRECEDING THE TEST FILMS
(the Roman numerals indicate the 'Babinski-value' accorded by each of the three judges on a
nine-point scale)
first presentation
Film A: information suggesting Babinski
sign (VIII, IX, IX)
widow, 42 years
hi.rtory
- hypertension for 10 years (treated with
moderate success)
- 1 day prior to consultation weakness ofR
arm after waking (noticed while combing);
later that day dragging of R leg
examination
- slight obtundation
- R-sided weakness of face, arm and leg; no
hemianopia
- tendon jerks rather weak on L side; on R
slightly brisker?
second presentation
Film A: information suggesting normal
plantar response (1, I, II)
housewife, 22 years
history
- for 6 months attacks of absentmindedness,
lasting a few minutes: perceives
conversation as very remote -
attacks can be aborted by shaking head
- occasionally impaired vision, as if
through a tunnel
examination: normal
Film B: information suggesting normal
plantar response (I, I, II)
office clerk, 36 years
history
3 days earlier, after waking, suddenly
unable to close L eye and to move mouth
on L side
- faint ache above the eyes for last few
weeks
exa-mination
- BP l80jl05
- subtotal paralysis of all facial muscles
Film B: information suggesting Babinski
sign (IX, IX, IX)
welder, 25 years
history
- numbness and heaviness in R leg for 5
weeks; 4 years ago similar complaints -
improved when he stopped playing
soccer
- while attending technical school two
episodes of failing vision in L eye, for few
weeks; ophthalmologist could find no
cause
examination
- L eye: pale disc, acuity 8/10
- symmetrical horizontal gaze nystagmus
- abdominal reflexes absent
- R leg: moderate weakness of flexors,
spasticity of quadriceps; marked hyperreflexia
57