Damage to the pyramidal tract in humans produces the Babinski sign: dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning of the other toes when the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot is scratched. In "normal" individuals, the response to this
stimulation is a plantar flexion of all the toes. The Babinski sign is valuable
for the localization of disease processes, but its physiologic significance
is unknown.
The pyramidal system appears to be concerned with skilled, fine movement. Althogh this does not mean that movement, even skilled movement is not possible without it. In monkey experiments involving sections of pyramids in the medulla defects produced were mainly weakness and clumsiness. It seems unlikely, your headaches are associated with pyramidal damage. Are these cluster headaches? Have you or had you sustained any headtrama prior to their beginning. Have you been
diagnosed clinically with the babinski sign? Mild carbon monoxide poisoning can result in severe headaches following exposure. There is intreguing evidence involving hormones and hypothalamic involvement in cluster headaches. A good
review can be found in Cephalalgia 13(5) 1993 309-317. Tell me more, like
why you think the babinski sign might be involved in your with your headaches.
UC
Rob.......................
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